Facts:

• Defendants: Simon Lazaro, Juan Lazaro, and Francisco Manzano.
• Convicted of robbery in band with serious physical injuries against Catalina Madrazo on August 20, 1916, in Mabini, Urdaneta, Pangasinan.
• An armed group of at least seventeen men surrounded Madrazo's house around 10:00 PM.
• Two assailants, armed with bolos, entered the house and demanded money from Catalina and her granddaughter, Maura Lomboy.
• The assailants struck both women with the flat sides of their bolos, causing injuries.
• Catalina initially handed over P 40 and P 150; under threat, Maura retrieved an additional P 2,020 from a hidden stash.
• Jorge Galang attempted to help but retreated due to the number of bandits; he later returned with Inocencio Alberto, who was severely injured by the robbers.
• The robbers fled after the commotion.
• Catalina did not recognize the robbers, while Maura identified Simon and Juan Lazaro but initially hesitated due to fear.
• Other witnesses corroborated the presence of the Lazaro brothers.
• The trial court sentenced the defendants to nineteen years, one month, and eleven days of cadena temporal, along with accessory penalties and indemnification to the victim.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The trial court's finding of guilt was upheld.
• The qualification of the crime as robbery in band was affirmed.
• The injuries were deemed serious and fell under the relevant provisions of the Penal Code.
• The aggravating circumstance of nocturnity was properly considered....(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's findings, emphasizing the credibility of witnesses, particularly Maura Lomboy, who had a clear opportunity to recognize the robbers due to a lighted lamp.
• The initial hesitance of witnesses to identify the robbers was understandable given the fear and confusion during the incident.
• The injuries inflicted on Inocencio Alberto were serious, resulti...continue reading