Title
People vs. Santos
Case
G.R. No. L-1728
Decision Date
Nov 26, 1948
Alberto Santos and Isabelo Cruz are convicted of kidnapping and murdering Raymundo Feliciano due to compelling witness testimonies that undermined their alibi defenses.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. L-1728)

Facts:

  • The case involves the People of the Philippines as the plaintiff against defendants Alberto Santos and Isabelo Cruz.
  • The events occurred on February 25, 1946, in Cordon, Isabela.
  • The appellants were accused of stealing large cattle and the kidnapping and murder of Raymundo Feliciano.
  • Prior to the incident, Cruz, along with Cecilio Salomon and Vicente Delgado, sought bail assistance from Geronimo Enriquez, the chief of police.
  • Feliciano refused to help, claiming they lacked a "master mind."
  • On February 24, 1946, Enriquez was warned by Salomon and Delgado that Cruz intended to kill him.
  • That night, Cruz, Santos, and another unidentified individual went to Enriquez's house but received no response.
  • Gunshots were heard shortly after, and Casimiro Feliciano was informed that his father had been taken by Cruz and others.
  • The next day, Santos asked Casimiro about his father's whereabouts.
  • Later that night, Santos entered the Feliciano residence, brandished a revolver, and forcibly took Raymundo Feliciano with Cruz's help.
  • Witnesses reported Feliciano was blindfolded, beaten, and dragged outside.
  • Gunshots followed, and Raymundo's body was found the next morning in a guava grove with multiple gunshot wounds.
  • Santos was later seen driving a truck loaded with stolen cattle.
  • Both Santos and Cruz provided alibis, which were deemed unconvincing compared to witness testimonies.
  • The trial court found them guilty and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua, ordering indemnity to the victim's heirs.

Issue:

  • (Unlock)

Ruling:

  • The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's decision, finding no error in the conviction of Alberto Santos and Isabelo Cruz for kidnapping and murder.
  • The Court modified the sentenc...(Unlock)

Ratio:

  • The Supreme Court upheld the trial court's findings, stating that the evidence against Santos and Cruz was compelling and established their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • Witness testimonies were consistent and corroborated t...continue reading

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