The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will conduct a "comprehensive review of its auxiliary roster" after it was revealed in a recent Senate hearing that a delisted member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) is a Chinese citizen.

In a statement, the PCG clarifies that Joseph Cue Sy, also known as Chen Zhong Zhen, was delisted from the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) in August 2025.

"Under the leadership of PCG Commandant Admiral Rommel Supangan, the PCG and PCGA are undertaking a comprehensive review of its auxiliary roster to ensure that all members meet the Coast Guard's standards of credibility and qualification," it stated.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said Admiral Supangan is committed to implementing stricter vetting and qualification procedures for both existing and prospective PCGA members to safeguard the integrity of the organization and maintain public trust.

During the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights’ hearing into the case of Sy on Thursday, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Legal Service Director Atty. Eliezer Ambatali said that the primary statistical arm of the government found evidence that Sy allegedly procured fake documents during his birth registration process.

Sy who is a businessman involved in nickel mining in the Philippines was previously arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after his biometrics matched those of a Chinese citizen identified as Chen Zhong Zhen. Robina Asido/PHS