Gunman in Dominic Sytin’s murder pleads guilty

MANILA, Philippines–The gunman who shot and killed businessman Dominic Sytin has pleaded guilty for murder.

During his arraignment at the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 72, Edgardo Luib pleaded guilty for the murder of Sytin and for the frustrated murder of Sytin’s bodyguard Efren Espartero inside the Subic Bay Freeport in November 2018.

Luib, in his sworn statement detailed how the killing of Sytin was planned.

Sytin, 51, was the president and founder of United Auctioneers Inc. (UAI).

Luib tagged Sytin’s younger brother Dennis and former employee Ryan Rementilla alias Oliver Fuentes as those involved in the plot.  Police arrested Luib on March 5 in Batangas province.

The trial will continue on September 11.

Senior State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera said they will still present evidence against the three accused despite Luib’s plea.

On the part of Luib, the trial will determine the voluntariness and full comprehension of his plea as required under the Rules on Criminal Procedure, explained Navera.

He added that Luib will not be discharged as state witness.

“He already pleaded guilty. He cannot be discharged anymore,” Navera said.  /muf