Case Summary (G.R. No. L-32163)
Overview of Evidence Presented by the Prosecution
The trial court found the evidence against the appellants compelling. Witnesses testified that on April 29, 1966, at around 4:00 to 5:00 PM, four individuals, subsequently identified as the appellants, sought out Wilfredo Flores. After Flores arrived, the appellants attacked him. Witness Sebastian Estember identified Antonio Alonzo as the one who stabbed Flores, leading to his death from two stab wounds as corroborated by the autopsy conducted by the municipal health officer.
Defense Claims and Testimonies
The appellants contended that they were elsewhere at the time of the murder. Juan Villosillo claimed to be harvesting peanuts, supported by witnesses Carmelita Diwa and Eufemia Zabala. Rolando Gano asserted he was guarding a bulldozer in a different barrio, while Renato Hernando testified about being occupied on his farm. Antonio Alonzo recounted being at his own farm and presented witnesses to corroborate his location during the crime. However, the trial court found their alibi unconvincing due to a lack of credible evidence.
Trial Court's Analysis and Findings
The trial court thoroughly examined the evidence from both sides, ultimately siding with the prosecution. It noted the positive identification of the accused by several witnesses and the absence of any motive for the prosecution witnesses to falsely implicate the appellants. The court held that the alibi defenses did not outweigh the prosecution’s compelling evidence.
Ruling on Alibi and Conspiracy
The court emphasized that the defense of alibi is often considered weak, particularly when there is strong identification of the accused by eyewitnesses. The trial court found solid grounds for concluding that there was a conspiracy among the appellants, reflecting a common intention to commit the crime. As the actions of one could be attributed to all, it ruled that all four were guilty of murder with alevosia, given the nature of their concerted attack on the victim.
Characterization of the Offense
The appellants contended that the crime should be classified as homicide instead of murder. However, the court found that the circums
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-32163)
Case Overview
- The case involves four appellants—Antonio Alonzo, Renato Hernando, Rolando Gano, and Juan Villosillo—convicted of murder for the stabbing death of Wilfredo Flores.
- The conviction arose from an incident that occurred on the evening of April 29, 1966, in Balanga, Bataan, where Flores was allegedly attacked and killed by the appellants.
- The appellants denied involvement, claiming they were in different locations at the time of the incident.
Procedural History
- The lower court conducted a trial where evidence was presented from both the prosecution and the defense.
- The appellants were found guilty of murder, resulting in a sentence of reclusion perpetua and an indemnity to the heirs of the victim.
- The appellants subsequently appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
Summary of Prosecution Evidence
- Witnesses, including Sebastian Estember and Ernie Santos, testified that the appellants were present and looking for Wilfredo Flores shortly before the attack.
- After being informed that they were searching for him, Flores engaged with Sebastian before being ambushed by the four accused.
- Witnesses testified that Antonio Alonzo stabbed Flores while the others restrained him, leading to Flores' immediate death.
- An autopsy confirmed that deat