Sytin slay accomplice behind bars

City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Authorities have arrested an alleged accomplice in the November 2018 murder of businessman Dominic Sytin, according to police officials on Thursday.

The arrest came a day before Sytin’s brother, who is accused of masterminding the killing, was apprehended in Malaysia.

Edrian T. Rementilla, also known as Ryan Rementilla or Oliver Fuentes, was arrested last 21 March in Purok 16, Buhanginan Hills, Pala-o, Iligan City, according to a report from Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3). Rementilla had been evading authorities for years.

The operation was conducted by joint operatives from the Regional Special Operations Units (RSOU) of PRO3 and Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), in coordination with the Iligan City Police Office.

A warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Manila for murder, with no bail recommended, led to Rementilla’s capture.

PRO3 regional director Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo praised the operation.

“You can run, but you can never truly hide. These arrests prove that no matter how long it takes, justice will always prevail. Let this be a strong message to all criminals — there is no escape. The law will find you, no matter where you hide,” Fajardo said.

Rementilla has been transported to PRO3.

Meanwhile, Dominic Sytin’s brother, Alan Dennis Lim Sytin, was arrested in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, on 22 March.

According to PRO3, Alan Dennis was apprehended in a joint operation by PRO3 and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP). He is alleged to be the mastermind behind his brother’s murder, which occurred on 28 November 2018, in front of a hotel in Subic Bay Freeport. The case was high-profile and drew significant attention from the business community.

The arrest of the younger Sytin took place at the Cobra Rugby Club at 5:42 p.m. and involved the Office of the Police Attaché (OPA) in Malaysia, the Special Branch of the RMP, and the IPD Petaling Jaya RMP.

Gunman Edgardo Luib, who was previously arrested and convicted in the case, confessed that Alan Dennis Lim Sytin orchestrated the killing. Rementilla allegedly acted as the middleman.

PRO3 sought assistance from the OPA in Malaysia, which worked closely with the Royal Malaysia Police. Intensive intelligence and surveillance operations led to Sytin’s capture. Efforts are underway to repatriate Sytin to the Philippines, where he will face legal proceedings.