Case Summary (G.R. No. 97913)
Jurisdiction and Charges
The Regional Trial Court of Abuyog, Leyte, adjudicated the case, with the prosecution led by Acting 4th Assistant Provincial Fiscal Nepomuceno P. Aparis. The information filed against the accused detailed that, armed with deadly weapons, they conspired to rob Ramon Robin, Sr. of ₱5,000.00 and, in the process, murdered him, his wife Herminia, and their three children.
Proceedings and Evidence
Following the arraignment, several witnesses testified, including police officials and a municipal health officer, who provided crucial evidence regarding the actions of the accused and the discovery of the victims' bodies. Rodulfo Redubla, a key state witness, revealed that he was present during the commission of the crime and identified the appellants as members of a group engaged in robbery.
Incident Description
The night of the crime involved a premeditated attack. Redubla testified that he was invited by Antojado to a drinking session at the victim’s home. When the Robins returned home, they were ambushed. Ramon Robin, Sr. was initially attacked by Norberto Carrozo, while Antojado subsequently struck him with a bolo. The victims were subsequently murdered, and the children were also killed to eliminate witnesses, after which their bodies were disposed of in a sack and buried by the Bito River.
Investigation and Discoveries
The following day, police investigation began in response to Redubla's report. Initial inquiries led authorities to the discovery of the buried bodies of the Robin family, substantiated by bloodstains found at the crime scene.
Autopsy Findings
Dr. Ernesto Lajara conducted the post-mortem examinations. His findings for Ramon Robin, Sr. included a hack wound to the neck, while Herminia Robin's autopsy revealed ligature marks and signs of asphyxia. The cause of death for the children was not definitively established, but their deaths were related to the incidents surrounding the robbery and homicide.
Defense Arguments
The appellants relied on defenses of denial and alibi, claiming they were not involved in the crime, asserting they were drinking together at the time. Their testimonies were contradicted by the clarity and consistency of the state’s evidence. The trial court found their alibi insufficient, as corroborated testimonies revealed their involvement.
Judicial Findings
The trial court convicted the appellants of robbery in band with multiple homicide, charging them under the Revised Penal Code. It determined that conspiracy existed among the appellants, as their collective actions indicated a planning and execution of the crime, dismissing the alibi provided by the defense as unconvincing.
Legal Analysis
The key legal issue revolved around the definition of the crime committed. The appellate court found that the indictment should be categorized as robbery
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 97913)
Case Overview
- The case originated from the Regional Trial Court, Abuyog, Leyte, where the appellants were found guilty of Robbery in Band with Multiple Murder.
- The Information, filed on May 13, 1985, accused the appellants of conspiring to commit robbery and murder on March 14, 1985, in Javier, Leyte.
Charges and Allegations
- The appellants allegedly conspired to rob Ramon Robin, Sr. and his family, armed with deadly weapons.
- The robbery involved the theft of cash amounting to Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) and resulted in the brutal murder of Ramon Robin, Sr., his wife Herminia, and their three children.
- The children were reportedly placed in a sack and buried near Bito River.
Proceedings and Testimonies
- After arraignment, the trial commenced with the prosecution presenting witnesses including Dr. Ernesto C. Lajara, PFC. Diosdado Cerna, and P/Sgt. Ignacio Rellin.
- Rodulfo Redubla, initially a co-accused, was discharged to testify against the appellants.
Prosecution's Version
- Witness Redubla testified about his invitation to drink with Dominador Antojado and the subsequent events leading to the crime.
- He observed the victims arriving home, the attack o