Case Digest (G.R. No. 143294)
Facts:
People of the Philippines v. Cirilo Magalona y Onoon alias "William", G.R. No. 143294, July 17, 2003, the Supreme Court En Banc, Per Curiam. The case reaches the Court by automatic review of a capital sentence imposed by the Regional Trial Court of Nueva Ecija, Branch 29 (Criminal Case No. 5899-AF).The Information charged Cirilo Magalona with detonating a hand grenade under the bamboo-floored hut of Rosendo Arimbuyutan, Sr. on May 25, 1994, around 3:30 a.m., killing the child Resty Arimbuyutan and inflicting blasting injuries on four other family members. Magalona pleaded not guilty, and trial ensued before the R.T.C.
Prosecution witnesses described the explosion, medical treatment, and the victims’ injuries and expenses. Officer Rodolfo Gutierrez recovered grenade fragments and a safety lever pin near the hut and recorded statements identifying Magalona as the suspect; Barangay Captain Florentino Almeda had earlier delivered Magalona to police custody on May 25 after a separate rape report. Neighbor Bienvenido Sabater testified that he saw a man called “William” (identified in court as Magalona) lurking behind an acacia tree near the Arimbuyutan hut, then observed an explosion and saw William fleeing toward the river. Neighbor Avelina (Adelina) Mendoza testified that on May 22, 1994 Magalona told her he was angry at Rosendo and would return and kill him.
During trial the prosecution rested; subsequently Magalona absented himself from a July 18, 1997 hearing and escaped while assigned to guard a hospitalized co-detainee. The R.T.C. ordered an investigation into the escape, and, on February 16, 1998, the court deemed Magalona to have waived his right to present evidence and considered the case submitted.
On July 30, 1998 the trial court convicted Magalona of murder with multiple frustrated and attempted murders and s...(Subscriber-Only)
Issues:
- Did the trial court err in giving credence to the testimonies of prosecution witnesses Avelina (Adelina) Mendoza and Bienvenido Sabater?
- Should the conviction and the imposed penalty (death) and awards ...(Subscriber-Only)
Ruling:
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Ratio:
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Doctrine:
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