Case Summary (G.R. No. 220613)
Facts of the Case
On September 29, 1966, Diego Balondo was charged with murdering Gloria Bulasa, his niece. The acts described in the information indicated that Balondo intentionally attacked and killed Bulasa with treachery and evident premeditation. The brutal nature of the crime was evident from the detailed description of the injuries inflicted on the victim, as well as the subsequent actions taken by Balondo after the murder.
Admission and Investigation
Immediately after the discovery of Bulasa’s body, Balondo confessed to his crime during police interrogation, detailing the methods he employed to kill and mutilate her body. His confession, recorded in the Visayan dialect, was sent to the municipal judge. Eyewitness accounts from relatives of the victim corroborated Balondo's statements, further strengthening the case against him. A post-mortem examination confirmed the heinous nature of the murder.
Arraignment and Plea
Balondo was arraigned before the Court of First Instance of Leyte on October 24, 1966. He was provided with legal counsel, Atty. Delia Tantuico, and voluntarily pleaded guilty to the murder charge. The trial court accepted his plea, leading to the rendering of a decision.
Trial Court's Findings
The trial court highlighted the gravity of the offense, noting the particularly egregious acts committed by Balondo, who not only killed his niece but also mutilated her body and consumed part of it. The court found that Balondo’s actions exhibited a severe disregard for human dignity and constituted murder with aggravating circumstances, including the abuse of superior strength and disregard for the victim's sex.
Defense Claims
Defense counsel, Atty. Justo R. Albert, contended that Balondo should have undergone a psychiatric evaluation to determine his sanity at the time of the crime. However, the court dismissed this plea, emphasizing sufficient evidence that Balondo was not insane when he committed the crime. His repeated and consistent confessions established his awareness and culpability.
Legal Analysis
The trial court determined that Balondo committed murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, considering two aggravating circumstances against him: abuse of superior strength and disregard for the victim'
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 220613)
Case Overview
- The case originated in the Court of First Instance of Leyte, where Diego Balondo was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death.
- The case is under automatic review by the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
Charges and Allegations
- The Provincial Fiscal of Leyte filed an information accusing Diego Balondo of murder for the killing of Gloria Bulasa on September 29, 1966.
- The details of the crime included:
- Intentional killing with treachery and evident premeditation.
- Brutal injuries inflicted on the victim, including strangulation and mutilation of the body.
- The crime was committed with aggravating circumstances, including abuse of superior strength and disregard for the victim's sex.
Facts of the Case
- On the day of the crime, Balondo was at his farm when he encountered Bulasa, who was cutting banana leaves.
- Following a confrontation, Balondo attacked Bulasa, strangled her, and buried her face in mud until she died.
- After the murder, he mutilated the body and consumed parts of it, admitting to cooking and eating the flesh.
- His actions were described in gruesome detail, indicating a premeditated and brutal act.
Admission and Evidence
- Balondo was apprehended shortly after the crime and admitted to ki