Facts:

• The case involves the People of the Philippine Islands as the plaintiff against defendants Espare, Babany, and Asu, who are Moros.
• The incident occurred on March 3, 1933, in Sirawan, Davao, Philippines.
• The defendants were charged with triple murder for the deaths of Hosei Higa, his wife Matsuo Higa, and their eight-year-old son Kentaro Higa.
• The trial was held in the Court of First Instance of Davao, where the defendants pleaded not guilty.
• Prosecution evidence included witness testimonies and blood-stained bolos (machetes) found with the defendants.
• The trial judge found the defendants guilty of triple homicide, sentencing each to fourteen years, eight months, and one day of reclusion temporal, along with an indemnity of one thousand pesos to the heirs of the deceased and the payment of costs.
• The defense raised issues regarding the sufficiency of evidence and the credibility of witness testimonies.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The court ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to justify the conviction of the defendants.
• The court found that the defense's argument did not create reasonable doubt regarding the defendants' guilt.
• The court affirmed ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The court's decision was based on a thorough evaluation of the evidence presented during the trial.
• Witness testimonies, particularly that of Kay, were deemed credible and corroborated by the circumstances of the case.
• Blood-stained bolos found in the possession of the defendants and their behavior at the crime scene indicated their involvement in the murders.
• The defense's alibi was consider...continue reading