Sytin’s brother cries foul over ‘murder mastermind’ tag

MANILA, Philippines — The brother of businessman Dominic Sytin on Monday cried foul over allegations that he was the mastermind behind the businessman’s murder, saying he is just being used as a “scapegoat” in the investigation.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the alleged gunman, Edgardo Luib, pointed to Dennis Sytin, Dominic’s younger brother, as the brains of the killing. Investigators are looking into the alleged business feud between the siblings as the motive behind the crime.

“I received with much sadness news reports linking me to the killing of my brother, Dominic Sytin, in Subic late last year. I am innocent. I did not nor did I have anything to do with the killing of my brother,” Dennis said in a statement.

READ: PNP tags Sytin’s brother as murder brains; gunman arrested

“I am being used as a scapegoat while those who are truly responsible for the crime are free and seemingly no longer the subject of investigation — this despite the statement of PNP Chief [Oscar] Albayalde that he still ‘does not consider the case closed,” the younger Sytin said.

Dennis said the allegation is a “great injustice” to him as  he is “not the kind who can kill any person,” especially his brother whom he said he “loved” with his other siblings, despite their “differences.”

READ: Suspect in Subic murder of businessman Sytin arrested

He said he has yet to read the charges against him or the statements made by those who linked him to the crime.

“I, therefore, do not know as yet how to respond to the charges against me. One thing I do know: this charge against me is a brazen lie that will be exposed for what it is — a sham complaint,” he said.

Dennis also urged his friends and relatives not to be influenced by news on his alleged involvement in the murder.

Dominic was killed on November 28, 2018, when a gunman shot him outside the Lighthouse Hotel and Resort in Subic Bay Freeport. His bodyguard Efren Espartero was also wounded in the shooting incident.

READ: Businessman gunned down outside Subic hotel

Investigators said Dennis met with a certain Ryan Rementilla — whose real name is Oliver Fuentas and a former employee of the United Auctioneers International founded by Dominic — and with the gunman and another John Doe, who allegedly relayed information on the victim’s movements before the actual murder.

Police said Luib was arrested in Batangas on March 5. Dennis, however, cannot be brought yet into police custody as the PNP is still waiting for an arrest warrant to be released by the court. /ee