DOJ files murder raps vs Dennis Sytin, 2 others for brother’s death

Screengrab from PNP

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed murder and frustrated murder case against Dennis Sytin and two others for the death of his older brother Dominic and wounding of the latter’s bodyguard Efren Espartero.

In a 54-page resolution, the DOJ panel of prosecutors also filed murder and frustrated murder charges against Ryan D. Rementilla alias Oliver Fuentes and self-confessed gunman Edgardo P. Luib.

“All the elements of the crime of murder to exist are factually present…Obviously, the methodical manner by which the victim was attacked was purposely carried out by the assailant to give Dominic or his bodyguard no chance whatsoever to evade the impending blow,” read the resolution dated July 3 which was made public Thursday.

Based on Luib’s sworn statement, the planning for Dominic’s murder started in September 2018 or two months prior to the incident when Fuentes contacted him and asking him to go to Olongapo.

Aside from Luib’s testimony, the resolution also used as basis CCTV footage of the hotel where Dominic was killed and footage from two nearby establishments.

The resolution also noted that fingerprint comparison and dactyloscopy report showed that Luib’s prints matched that of the prints lifted from a recovered motorcycle along with a helmet and other items in it.

Dennis has denied any hand in the killing of his brother, saying Luib was a “polluted source,” motivated by “self-preservation.” 

He said there was no categorical evidence to support Luib’s claim that he was the one who masterminded the hit on his brother. He added that despite their differences, Dominic is still his brother and he would never wish him ill, more so his death. Likewise, he cited the negative findings of the polygraph test or lie detector conducted by the National Bureau of investigation on him last January 16. 

Dennis also argued that aside from Luib’s testimony, there are no other pieces of evidence that would prove he had a hand in the death of his brother.

The resolution noted that Dennis is “partially correct.”

The panel of prosecutors explained that in the preliminary investigation, “what is determined is whether there is sufficient ground to engender a well-founded belief that a crime has been committed and that the accused is probably guilty thereof and should be held for trial.”

“It does not require an inquiry as to whether there is sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. It is thus clear that in the preliminary investigation, the rigid rules in judicial proceedings should not be strictly applied,” the resolution further stated.

The case has been assigned to Olongapo Regional Trial Court Judge Richard Paradeza.

However, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said they already requested the Supreme Court to transfer the venue of the case from Olongapo to Metro Manila.

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