Olongapo court issues hold departure order vs businessman Dennis Sytin

MANILA, Philippines – The Regional Trial Court of Olongapo City has issued a hold departure order (HDO) against businessman Dennis Sytin who faced murder charges in the killing of his brother businessman Dominic Sytin.

Olongapo RTC Branch 72 Presiding Judge Richard Paredeza issued the HDO against Dennis and his co-accused, Oliver Fuentes, to keep them from leaving  the country pending trial. 

“As prayed for, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation, Manila is hereby directed to hold the departure of the accused,” the order read.

Dennis and Fuentes were also charged with frustrated murder as Dominic’s driver, Efren Espartero, was hurt during the ambush in front of the Lighthouse Hotel in Subic Freeport in November 2018.

The court earlier issued an arrest warrant against Dennis and Fuentes after the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed murder and frustrated murder charges against them.

The DOJ held that Dennis, Fuentes, and confessed gunman Edgardo Luib conspired to kill Dominic.

Luib was arrested in Batangas in March for arrest warrants over the killing of journalist Mae Magsino and Municipal Councilor Michael Caringal of Bauan, Batangas.

Luib had alleged that Fuentes hired him on behalf of Dennis to carry out the ambush.

The DOJ wants the case moved to the Manila Regional Trial Court “for the safety and security of the witnesses” and to avoid any pressure on the court and the prosecution considering the extent of influence of both parties. – Rappler.com