Case Digest (G.R. No. 180169)
Facts:
- Agustino Tamolon and Antonio Cabagan were charged with Multiple Murder in Criminal Case No. XXI-377 (93) before the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 21, in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
- The incident occurred on March 15, 1984, in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, where the accused, along with others, allegedly attacked the Malabarbas family.
- The attack resulted in the deaths of Jaime Malabarbas, Ely Malabarbas, Judith Malabarbas, Wilfredo Panton, and Gerry Panton.
- The prosecution presented evidence showing that the accused were armed and acted in concert during the attack.
- The appellants pleaded not guilty during the trial.
- Witness Modesto Landas testified that he participated in the attack, but the defense claimed his testimony was fabricated to reduce his legal troubles.
- The defense presented witnesses who testified that the appellants were not involved and that Landas had ulterior motives.
- On February 12, 1996, the RTC found both Tamolon and Cabagan guilty, sentencing them to Reclusion Perpetua for each victim and ordering indemnity to the victims' heirs.
- The case was elevated to the Court of Appeals (CA), which affirmed the RTC's decision with modifications on August 23, 2007.
- The appellants subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' decision, upholding the conviction of Agustino Tamolon and Antonio Cabagan for Multiple Murder.
- The Supreme Court also upheld the CA's order for ...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court ruled that the trial court properly assessed the credibility of Modesto Landas, the key witness, who was observed during his testimony.
- The Court emphasized that a co-conspirator's testimony can suffice for conviction, even if uncorroborated, as long as it is sincere and detailed.
- The trial court found Landas' testimony to be direct and convincing, and the Supreme Court agreed that the trial court's findings on witness credibility should be respected.
- The appellants' defense, based on d...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 180169)
Facts:
The case involves Agustino Tamolon and Antonio Cabagan, who were charged with Multiple Murder in Criminal Case No. XXI-377 (93) before the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 21, in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. The incident occurred on March 15, 1984, in the Municipality of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, where the accused, along with several others, allegedly attacked the Malabarbas family, resulting in the deaths of Jaime Malabarbas, Ely Malabarbas, Judith Malabarbas, Wilfredo Panton, and Gerry Panton. The prosecution's evidence indicated that the accused were armed with guns and bolos and acted in concert to carry out the attack.
During the trial, the appellants pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented a witness, Modesto Landas, who testified that he was part of the group that attacked the Malabarbas family. The defense, however, argued that the testimony of Landas was fabricated and motivated by a desire to reduce his own legal troubles, as he had been arrested and detained prior to testifying. The defense also presented witnesses who testified that the appellants were not involved in the massacre and that Landas had ulterior motives for implicating them.
On February 12, 1996, the RTC found both Tamolon and Cabagan guilty of Multiple Murder, sentencing them to Reclusion Perpetua for each of the five victims and ordering them to pay indemnity to the heirs of the victims. The case was subsequently elevated to the Court of Appeals (CA) for automatic review, wh...