Case Summary (G.R. No. 93899)
Incident Overview
On the morning of March 14, 1989, the body of Arnel Claridad was found in the Far East High School compound, prompting an investigation led by Patrolman Conrado Balmores. Evidence such as a blood trail pointed towards a violent encounter that occurred the previous evening. Eyewitness testimony from Lorna Taguiped indicated that Cadag, driven by jealousy, confronted Arnel and fatally stabbed him multiple times after a brief interaction.
Medical Findings
Dr. Susan Casaclang, the Municipal Health Officer, performed an autopsy on Arnel Claridad, revealing extensive injuries. The findings detailed not only multiple stab wounds but also significant internal trauma, including fractures to several ribs and lacerations to the liver and lung. This medical evidence corroborated the eyewitness account of a violent attack leading to the victim's death.
Defense and Alibi
In response to the murder charge, Eddie Cadag claimed he was at home with Lorna and his mother during the time of the incident. His defense was supported by his mother and a neighbor, asserting that they saw him at home at the relevant time. However, Cadag's assertions raised questions about credibility, as his alibi was constructed solely by individuals close to him, thus lacking impartiality.
Credibility of Witness Testimony
The trial court found key testimony from Lorna Taguiped particularly compelling despite her initial contradictory statements made to the NBI, which she later attributed to threats from Cadag. Her later testimony aligned with physical evidence gathered at the crime scene, and the court viewed her account as reliable. The absence of motive aside from the jealousy factor was deemed not critical, as eyewitness identification was clear in establishing the identity of the perpetrator.
Legal Findings
The trial court adjudicated the murder as being committed with treachery, recognizing the sudden and premeditated nature of Cadag's attack under cover of darkness. This finding was established through the combination of testimony and forensic evidence. The ruling maintained that treachery was evident due to the unarmed victi
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Case Background
- The case involves the conviction of Eddie Cadag, alias Simen, for the crime of Murder, sentenced to reclusion perpetua by the Regional Trial Court of Rosales, Pangasinan, Branch 53.
- The incident occurred on March 14, 1989, when the body of the victim, Arnel Claridad, was discovered in the compound of Far East High School, Sta. Maria, Pangasinan.
- Patrolman Conrado Balmores led the initial investigation, discovering a blood trail from the school gate to the location of the body.
Investigation and Initial Statements
- Witness Lorna Taguiped, the common-law wife of the appellant, was initially interrogated but was prevented from cooperating by the appellant.
- On March 30, 1989, Lorna executed a sworn statement claiming ignorance about the incident, stating she and the appellant were home all evening.
- However, on July 10, 1989, after separating from the appellant, she provided a new statement implicating him as the assailant.
Eyewitness Account
- Lorna testified that on the night of the incident, the appellant, driven by jealousy towards her former boyfriend, brought her to Boyet Claridad’s house.
- Upon discovering that Boyet was not home, Arnel followed Lorna, leading to