Facts:

• On June 13, 1971, Rolando M. Catipon and Pedro Mojica were involved in a violent incident in Barrio Kasuyan, Ternate, Cavite.
• Victorio Bucao and Guillermo Nato were killed, and Maximo Bucao was wounded.
• The Bucao family was at home when the defendants arrived, initially asking for water.
• Victorio was ordered to raise his hands and was shot multiple times, resulting in his death.
• Guillermo, working on the ground floor, was also shot and killed instantly.
• Rolando shot Maximo in the thigh, mistakenly believing him to be dead.
• The prosecution's case relied on testimonies from surviving family members who identified Rolando as one of the assailants.
• Rolando was arrested on January 21, 1973, and charged with two counts of murder and one count of frustrated murder.
• He claimed an alibi, stating he was at a fiesta in Maragondon, Cavite, during the incident.
• The trial court found him guilty and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua and an indeterminate prison term for the frustrated murder.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's decision.
• Rolando M. Catipon was found guilty of two counts of murder and one count of frustrated murder.
• The penalties were modified to impose two sentences of reclus...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court upheld the trial court's findings, emphasizing the credibility of the prosecution witnesses.
• Witnesses provided consistent and detailed accounts, with their emotional state explaining any initial confusion about the assailants' identities.
• The crime occurred in broad daylight, allowing for clear identification of Rolando.
• The court rejected claims of mis...continue reading