A.M. No. RTJ-99-1488 - Marzan-Gelacio vs. Flores

The case involves the accused-appellant, Manuel Gannaban, who was charged with the crime of rape with homicide for the death of a ten-year-old girl, Rhea Ballesteros.
The incident occurred on February 28, 1995, in Ilagan, Isabela, and subsequent events led to the discovery of the victim’s body on March 4, 1995.
The prosecution charged that the rape occurred with homicidal intent and that the injuries inflicted on the victim’s head during the attack directly caused her death.

Rhea Ballesteros, a ten-year-old minor, was last seen in her school uniform—a white T-shirt, blue skirt, white socks, and brown shoes—while carrying a school bag containing items such as notebooks, pencils, and books.
On the morning of February 28, 1995, she bade goodbye to her mother, Rita Ballesteros, as she was heading to East Central Elementary School.

Manuel Gannaban worked as a baker at Elsaas Bake Shop in Ilagan, Isabela, and was known to have befriended the victim during his employment.
On February 28, 1995, around 11:00 A.M., Gannaban left the bake shop and was later seen accompanied by a young girl in a white shirt and blue skirt, traveling towards Barangay San Ignacio.
Testimonies indicate that after leaving the bake shop, Gannaban visited several locations:

He went to Barangay San Ignacio and then to the residence of Mariano Tumolva, where he, along with the young girl, asked for food.
At the house of Placido Gangan, Gannaban again appeared with the young girl, seeking temporary accommodation for the night.

Rita Ballesteros testified that Rhea was last seen at home on the morning of February 28, 1995, and subsequently, she was reported missing by her family.
Alfredo Manabat, who was playing basketball near the scene, observed Gannaban and the young girl passing by, noting details about their appearance and proximity.
Mariano Tumolva, the homeowner, confirmed that Gannaban visited his house with a young girl, prepared food for them, and that the duration of their stay was less than 30 minutes.
Placido Gangan testified that he recognized Rhea, who was with Gannaban, when they came to his house in the evening and that they subsequently spent the night in his home.
Elizabeth Derraco, the owner of the bake shop, recounted Gannaban’s erratic behavior:

He left the shop without permission at around 11:00 A.M. on February 28, 1995.
He returned on the morning of March 1, 1995, answering vaguely about his origins and remaining silent when questioned about Rhea’s whereabouts.

SPO2 Walberto Agpawa discovered the cadaver on March 4, 1995 in a cornfield at Bagumbayan, Isabela, where the body was found in rigor mortis with clear signs of a head injury.
Dr. Conrado Gabriel, Sr. conducted the post-mortem examination and determined:

The victim had injuries indicating rape, such as lacerations on the hymen (at the 5 o’clock and 12 o’clock positions) and a broken right mastoid process.
The cause of death was attributed to hypovolemic shock due to internal hemorrhage from the injuries, with the body being in an advanced state of decomposition.

His immediate flight from the bake shop on March 2, 1995—taking all his belongings and leaving behind unpaid salary—raised suspicions.
Testimonies from multiple witnesses consistently placed him in the company of Rhea Ballesteros, and his behavior did not support any credible alibi brought forth by his defense.

The trial court, after a thorough presentation of circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies, found Manuel Gannaban guilty beyond any reasonable doubt.
In its Decision dated July 30, 1998, the court imposed the supreme penalty of death under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 7659.
Additionally, the court ordered Gannaban to pay civil indemnities:

P100,000.00 as indemnity to the heirs of the victim.
P50,000.00 for moral damages.
P15,000.00 as actual damages, considering the expenses incurred for the victim’s funeral and burial.

Whether the circumstantial evidence presented was sufficient to establish the guilt of the accused-appellant beyond reasonable doubt.
Whether the trial court erred by relying on circumstantial evidence and whether it properly weighed the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses against the defense’s alibi and arguments challenging their credibility.