PCG delists mining exec from auxiliary force
Published Aug 26, 2025 10:09 am
(Courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed Tuesday, Aug. 26, that it has processed the disenrollment of a mining executive accused of misrepresenting his citizenship from the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA).
Joseph Sy, whose Chinese name is Chen Zhong, became part of the PCGA Executive Squadron in 2018 and holds the rank of Auxiliary Rear Admiral, according to Captain Lejanie Dy, deputy chief of coast guard staff for civil relations service.
However, the PCG decided to remove Sy from the PCGA following “verified reports” of misrepresentation of his citizenship, “which constitutes a serious breach of law, trust, and a violation of the core values upheld by the PCG and the PCGA.”
Senator Risa Hontiveros earlier flagged the inclusion of Sy in the PCGA, saying he was posing as a Filipino like former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who is accused of being a Chinese spy.
“His conduct has discredited the name and integrity of the PCGA as the PCG's civilian volunteer arm, and thus must be delisted immediately,” Dy said, referring to Sy.
“The PCG and the PCGA remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of honor, patriotism, and public service. Any actions that compromise these principles will be dealt with accordingly,” she added.
Why does this matter?
The PCGA is a uniformed, voluntary, and non-government organization whose main objective is to support the PCG during humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions, as well as marine environmental protection initiatives.
The PCG is authorized to organize, train, and supervise the PCGA to support the fulfillment of its mandates under Section 11 of Republic Act (RA) No. 9993 or the PCG Law of 2009. The PCGA has a national director but the PCG Commandant has full control and guidance over their activities and initiatives.
Dy explained that the PCGA does not participate in maritime operations and has no access to critical installations or sensitive offices of the PCG. She said Sy was not considered for delisting in the past because of his presented proof of Filipino citizenship and good standing in the community as a leader of a reputable organization.
“The PCGA membership is voluntary in nature and Mr. Sy’s application to the PCGA Executive Squadron has gone through the process and was duly endorsed by the squadron,” Dy explained.
“But with the recent development, he has been delisted immediately from the PCGA roster of members and shall henceforth be unauthorized to present himself as a PCGA member, wear the PCGA uniform, and use the auxiliary rank,” she added.
Arrested
Sy was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Aug. 21 for allegedly misrepresenting himself as a Filipino citizen. He arrived on board a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong when he was intercepted by frontline immigration officers.
He is the subject of a mission order and an investigation from the BI after the agency received information from government intelligence sources about his alleged illegally-acquired Philippine documents. He was found to be using a Philippine passport issued in 2021, and was in possession of several Philippine identity cards showing that he is a Filipino, the Immigration said.
However, the BI’s Alien Registration Division confirmed that Sy’s fingerprints matched that of a Chinese citizen, who previously held a long-term visa and an Alien Certificate Registration Identity Card.
“Without naturalization, a foreign national is not eligible to get Philippine citizenship documents. Government intelligence sources have reason to believe that this is another case of assumed Philippine identity, similar to that of Alice Guo,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
Chen faces a deportation case for misrepresentation, and is currently held at the BI’s holding facility in Bicutan, Taguig.
'Uphold rule of law'
Sy is the owner of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (GFNI), a publicly listed mining and exploration company in the Philippines.
The GFNI denounced its chairman’s arrest, saying he has no pending cases and denying his involvement in any crime or wrongdoing.
“We firmly call on authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that due process is strictly observed. We likewise urge the public to refrain from speculation,” it said.
The company said it will cooperate with the authorities’ investigation and assured its stakeholders that its operations would continue without disruption.