Facts:

• The case involves People of the Philippines vs. Luter Orcula, Sr., et al.
• Accused-appellant Luter Orcula, Sr. and his sons, Luter Orcula, Jr. (alias "Jun"), Rolando Orcula (alias "Lando"), and Nestor Orcula (alias "Boy"), were charged with murder.
• The Information was filed on May 3, 1994, in Branch 31 of the Regional Trial Court, 11th Judicial Region, Tagum, Davao.
• The incident occurred on March 20, 1994, in Kapalong, Davao, amidst a boundary dispute between the Orculas and the victim, Oscar Caldoza.
• Tensions escalated when Luter, Sr.'s wife warned Oscar's wife about Nestor's alleged plan to kill Oscar.
• Witness Teodoro Polinar, Jr. observed the Orculas surrounding Oscar, with Nestor armed with a bolo and the others with wooden sticks.
• Oscar attempted to escape but was pursued by the Orculas.
• The next day, Oscar's body was found buried in a banana plantation, with a spade identified as belonging to Luter, Jr.
• The trial court convicted Luter, Sr. of murder, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua and ordering damages to Oscar's heirs.
• Luter, Sr. appealed, claiming the conviction relied solely on circumstantial evidence and that his alibi was ignored.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's findings regarding the nature of the crime but modified the conviction from murder to homicide.
• Luter Orcula, Sr. was sentenced to an indeterminate penalty of six years and one day of prision mayor as minimum to twelve years and one day of reclusion temporal as...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court stated that circumstantial evidence can suffice for conviction if it meets specific criteria, including multiple circumstances leading to a conclusion of guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
• The evidence, including the history of animosity, the warning about a plan to kill Oscar, and eyewitness accounts, indicated Luter, Sr.'s involvement.
• The court established that conspiracy among the accused mad...continue reading