Case Summary (G.R. No. L-287)
Case Background and Initial Proceedings
The defendants appealed a decision made by the Court of First Instance of Samar. They were convicted of banditry and sentenced to an indeterminate prison term ranging from one year, eight months, and twenty-one days to seven years, four months, and one day. Additionally, Laporbeda and Lasaga were ordered to indemnify Niedo in the amounts of P10 and P50, respectively.
Facts of the Case
The events transpired in the barangay of Sta. Cruz, Tarangnan, Samar, where Norberto Niedo and his family sought refuge from invading Japanese forces. On June 21, 1942, the accused, alongside eleven others, approached Niedo's makeshift shelter causing alarm. Niedo recognized Laporbeda’s voice and attempted to escape with his children while the accused engaged in looting. The family suffered further trauma as Niedo's wife and child were kidnapped, with their property valued at P125 stolen. There were acts of violence where firearms were discharged by the accused to deter the victims from escaping, and Laporbeda also set fire to the shelter before leaving.
Defense Arguments
The defendants claimed they were merely fleeing from wrongful contributions demanded by Niedo for guerrilla support, ultimately captured by a group they described as the "pulahanes." They contended that any illicit acts they were involved in should not be attributed to them as they were coerced participants rather than willing accomplices. They referenced prior cases that supported their argument, suggesting innocence due to lack of involvement in criminal acts.
Prosecution's Evidence
Contrary to the defendants' claims, substantial evidence indicated their active participation in the crimes committed. Eyewitness testimonies revealed that the accused were not merely captives; Laporbeda was identified as invoking Niedo to come down from the shelter, while other accused participated in the theft and violence. The organization and execution of the act were inconsistent with claims of them being hostages.
Legal Findings
The defense suggesting bias against Niedo due to personal animosities was dismissed. The testimonies from various witnesses corroborated the involvement of Laporbeda and Lasaga in the commission of these crimes, establishing their culpability for the property theft and kidnapping. Moreover, the defense's argument concerning a name discrepancy concerning Lasaga did not
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-287)
Case Overview
- The case involves an appeal by the accused, Luciano Laporbeda, Anastacio Lasaga, and Jesus Barro against a decision rendered by the Court of First Instance of Samar.
- The accused were convicted of bandolerismo (banditry) and sentenced to an indeterminate prison term ranging from one year, eight months, and twenty-one days of correctional imprisonment (minimum) to seven years, four months, and one day of major imprisonment (maximum).
- Additional penalties included the obligation to indemnify the complainant, Norberto Niedo, for damages amounting to P10 for Laporbeda and P50 for Lasaga, and to pay one-third of the costs of the trial.
Factual Background
- Norberto Niedo and his family sought refuge in Santa Cruz, Tarangnan, Samar, in May 1942, constructing a makeshift hut to evade the Japanese invasion.
- On June 21, 1942, at approximately 3 a.m., the accused, along with several accomplices, approached Niedo's hut, creating a disturbance that awakened its occupants.
- Luciano Laporbeda called out to Norberto, prompting him to escape through a hole made with a bolo, along with his children Lutgardo and Edilberto.
- During the incident, Francisca Concordia, Norberto's wife, and their son Pablito were captured by the accused, who also looted the hut, taking various items valued at P125, including rice, a bicycle, clothing, and kitchenware.
- Laporbeda started a fire that burned the hut after the robbery.
Subsequent Actions and Abductions
- The captured individuals, Francisca and Pablito, were held for two days and nights at a camp co