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
Case Digest (G.R. No. L-1728)
Facts:
The case involves the People of the Philippines as the plaintiff and appellee against defendants and appellants Alberto Santos and Isabelo Cruz. The events transpired on February 25, 1946, in Cordon, Isabela. The appellants were accused of the theft of large cattle and the kidnapping and murder of Raymundo Feliciano. Prior to the incident, Cruz, along with Cecilio Salomon and Vicente Delgado, sought to post bail with Geronimo Enriquez, the chief of police, who advised them to approach Raymundo Feliciano for assistance. However, Feliciano refused to help, stating that they lacked the necessary "master mind." On February 24, 1946, Enriquez received warnings from Salomon and Delgado that Cruz intended to kill him. The following night, Cruz, along with Santos and another unidentified individual, went to Enriquez's house but received no response. Shortly after, gunshots were heard, and Casimiro Feliciano, Raymundo's son, was informed that his father had been taken by Cruz and others.
The next day, while Casimiro was at home, Santos inquired about his father’s whereabouts. Later that night, Santos entered the Feliciano residence, brandished a revolver, and forcibly took Raymundo Feliciano from his room with Cruz's assistance. Witnesses reported that Feliciano was blindfolded and beaten before being dragged outside. Gunsho...