Case Summary (G.R. No. L-2055)
Factual Background of the Incident
The events transpired on June 28, 1946, when Canastre, Sayuco, and two other unidentified individuals intruded into the home of Magdaleno Beri. Armed with a gun, Canastre threatened Beri and subsequently abducted his daughter Benedicta. The assailants forcibly took Benedicta outside to a mango tree, where they sexually assaulted her despite her resistance and cries for help. Following the assault, Canastre and Sayuco stole several items from the Beri household.
Legal Proceedings and Trial Outcome
Following the trial, Canastre and Sayuco were convicted of robbery with rape, while Pasaporte and Fabilona were acquitted. Canastre received an indeterminate sentence ranging from 10 years and 1 day of prision mayor to 17 years and 1 day of reclusion temporal, while Sayuco faced a sentence of 17 years and 1 day to 20 years of reclusion temporal. Canastre subsequently appealed the conviction.
Defense Arguments and Issues Raised
Canastre's defense primarily hinged on an alibi that he was home due to illness, asserting that no credible witness could link him to the crime. The defense further attempted to cast doubt on the prosecution's case by highlighting the failure to identify his co-accused fully, which led to their acquittal. This argument aimed to suggest potential inconsistencies in the testimonies provided by the prosecution’s witnesses.
Prosecution's Evidence and the Court's Assessment
The prosecution, however, provided compelling evidence, including a statement from Dr. Engracio Parrenas, the district health officer, who testified that Benedicta had reported being raped by four men. The court noted that the lack of physical evidence of violence did not disprove the occurrence of sexual intercourse, as verbal testimony from the victim and her identification of Canastre held significant weight. The court determined that the testimony provided by the prosecution witnesses was credible and compelling enough to establish Canastre's involvement in the crime without reasonable doubt.
Conclusion
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-2055)
Case Background
- The case originated in the Court of First Instance of Iloilo, where Eduardo Canastre, Gil Sayuco, Francisco Pasaporte (alias Francisco Pastera), and Gonzalo Fabilona were charged with robbery in band with rape.
- After a trial, Pasaporte and Fabilona were acquitted, while Canastre and Sayuco were convicted.
- Canastre received an indeterminate sentence ranging from 10 years and 1 day of prision mayor to 17 years, 6 months, and 1 day of reclusion temporal.
- Sayuco was sentenced to an indeterminate penalty of 17 years, 6 months, and 1 day to 20 years of reclusion temporal.
- Canastre is the only one who appealed the conviction, as Sayuco escaped custody.
Incident Details
- The crime occurred around 1:00 AM on June 28, 1946, at the residence of Magdaleno Beri in Barrio Batuan, Pototan, Iloilo.
- Canastre and Sayuco, along with two unidentified accomplices, invaded Beri’s home.
- Upon entering, Canastre threatened Magdaleno at gunpoint, instructing him and his companions not to move under threat of death.
- Canastre then proceeded to enter the room of 17-year-old Benedicta Beri, dragging her out with the aid of Sayuco and taking her outside under a mango tree.
Nature of the Crime
- Despite Benedicta's cries for help, her father was restrained and could not assist her, and her mother was