Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo led the serving of the arrest warrant against businessman Dennis Sytin at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on April 11, 2025. (photo: PRO3)
The arrest of businessman Dennis Sytin emphasized the importance of the coordination and good working relationship between the police and their foreign counterparts, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said.
The 51-year old Sytin was tagged in the 2018 killing of his brother Dominic, the president and chief executive officer of the United Auctioneers Inc. who was shot dead outside the Lighthouse Hotel in Olongapo City.
Marbil said there were reports that Sytin moved across several countries over the past six years, attempting to elude arrest.
“However, through the tireless efforts of PNP investigators and sustained collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, he was finally apprehended and brought home to face the charges against him,” said Marbil.
Sytin had been detained in Malaysia after being apprehended on March 22 by the Special Investigation Branch of the Petaling Jaya District Police at Cobra Rugby Club in Selangor for failure to present a valid travel document.
His Philippine passport had already been cancelled on Sept.12 last year based on the order of the court that issued his arrest warrant. An Interpol Red Notice was likewise issued on Jan. 24, 2020.
Following his detention, Marbil said the PNP worked closely with the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia to arrange Sytin’s repatriation.
He arrived on April 11 at NAIA Terminal 3, Pasay City where the arrest warrant was served by policemen led by Central Luzon regional police direcotr Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.
“This latest breakthrough in the 2018 murder case of Dominic Sytin sends a clear and strong message: There are no cold cases for the Philippine National Police. Whether a case is high-profile or not, we are committed to solving it with the same relentless pursuit,” said Marbil.
“The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they do not stop. Every arrest, every deportation, and every case closed is proof that we never give up,” he added.
Marbil emphasized that the PNP handles each investigation with thoroughness and precision to ensure that charges filed are backed by solid evidence and can stand in court.