Facts:

• The case involves Bonifacio Valeriano, David de la Cruz, Benjamin Cruz, and Faustino Cruz as the accused, with the People of the Philippines as the plaintiff.
• The incident occurred on September 7, 1947, in Malabon, Rizal, involving robbery and homicide at Judge Basilio Bautista's residence.
• Faustino Cruz conspired with members of the Hukbalahap, including Ipeng Bulag, to rob and kill Judge Bautista due to a personal vendetta.
• The plan, named "Operation Malabon," was discussed in a secret meeting attended by the accused.
• On the night of the crime, the group entered Judge Bautista's home, held him and his son Crispin at gunpoint, and demanded valuables.
• Both Judge Bautista and Crispin were shot dead during the robbery.
• The assailants engaged in a shootout with police, resulting in the deaths of Sergeant Bernabe Diosomito and policemen Jesus Alejandrino and Emiliano Magsisi.
• The accused were apprehended, with Valeriano identified at the scene and later confessing to his involvement.
• The trial court sentenced David de la Cruz to reclusion perpetua and the others to death, along with financial penalties to the victims' heirs.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The trial court did not err in admitting the confessions of the accused.
• The evidence presented was sufficient to establish the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.
• The accused were held liable for conspiracy as they were part of the agreement to commit the crime.
• The imposition of the death pena...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court upheld the trial court's decision, emphasizing the validity of the confessions corroborated by substantial evidence.
• The confessions were made voluntarily and aligned with witness testimonies and the crime's circumstances.
• Conspiracy was established through the agreement among th...continue reading