Case Summary (G.R. No. L-8346)
Charges and Initial Proceedings
The defendants were charged with kidnapping, with the trial commencing only for Binsol, Pellerva, and Perolino, as eight other co-accused were never apprehended, and one co-defendant, Marciano Fenol, was released from the complaint. Following the trial, the court found Binsol, Pellerva, and Perolino guilty, sentencing them to life imprisonment and requiring them to indemnify Dr. Siasoco in the amount of P10,000.
Nature of the Crime
The evidence revealed a calculated plan to kidnap Dr. Siasoco for ransom. The kidnapping was executed by a group that specifically targeted Dr. Siasoco during his visit to his estate in Bukid, Cavite. The intent was to extort a ransom of P150,000, although the actual amount paid by the victim’s family turned out to be P10,000.
Prosecution's Evidence
Isabelo Jeciel, a crucial witness for the prosecution, testified that he participated in the planning and execution of the kidnapping. He noted meetings with Binsol and other participants, during which Binsol articulated the plan and provided firearms for the operation. Details of how the actual kidnapping unfolded were meticulously described, including how they lured Dr. Siasoco and the subsequent events where he was held for ransom.
Defense Testimonies
The defendants maintained that they were not involved in the kidnapping. Binsol claimed he was working on behalf of the provincial governor to secure Dr. Siasoco’s release without ransom. Both Pellerva and Perolino provided alibis for their locations during the crime. Their defense emphasized that they were, at the time, performing official duties related to their roles as police officers.
Legal Issues Raised
A legal contention arose concerning the prosecution's decision not to charge Jeciel as an accomplice. The defense argued that this omission undermined the prosecution's case, suggesting that had Jeciel been part of the information, his testimony would be suspect. However, precedent indicates that the prosecution is not required to include every participant in the crime in the information prior to presenting them as witnesses.
Appellate Review
The appellate court considered the credibility of the witness testimonies, particularly Jeciel's, alongside corro
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Case Background
- The case was heard in the Court of First Instance of Cavite concerning charges of kidnapping against Proceso Binsol, Tomas Pellerva, Roman Perolino, and others.
- Marciano Fenol was discharged from the complaint upon the provincial fiscal's motion.
- Of the twelve accused, eight remained at large, with three reported dead.
- The trial continued with Binsol, Pellerva, and Perolino, who were subsequently found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay P10,000 in indemnity to the victim, Dr. Severo Siasoco.
Facts of the Case
- Dr. Severo Siasoco was kidnapped from his estate in Cavite for ransom; his family paid P10,000 for his release.
- Key evidence included the testimony of Isabelo Jeciel, who detailed the planning and execution of the kidnapping.
- The kidnapping involved a group including Binsol, Hernandez, and Felipe de la Cruz, who conspired to obtain ransom from Dr. Siasoco's family.
Key Testimonies
- Isabelo Jeciel testified that on February 20, 1953, he met with Binsol and others to discuss the plan to kidnap Dr. Siasoco.
- Jeciel was provided with firearms and instructed to write a ransom letter demanding P150,000.
- The kidnappers later surrounded Dr. Siasoco and took him hostage, ultimately moving him to various locations