Case Summary (G.R. No. 138456)
Case Background
On February 20, 1998, the Regional Trial Court of Antipolo found Rolando Deduyo guilty beyond reasonable doubt of kidnapping for ransom and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua. The information charged that Deduyo, along with MaAago and another still-at-large co-conspirator, kidnapped Johnny Mauricio, demanding ransom for his release.
Plea and Escape
Upon arraignment on June 7, 1994, both Deduyo and MaAago pleaded not guilty. However, Deduyo escaped from jail during a mass jailbreak on July 29, 1994, and was tried in absentia. After his re-arrest, the trial culminated in the February 20, 1998 decision.
Kidnapping Incident Details
On January 30, 1994, Johnny Mauricio was approached by Deduyo, who persuaded him to leave his tricycle to accompany him under the pretense of retrieving a package from the airport. Trusting Deduyo, whom he had known for over a year, Johnny complied. They went to a house where MaAago and another accomplice were present. Johnny was subsequently threatened with a knife and made to stay, leading to his effective confinement in the house, where he feared for his safety.
Ransom Demand
While Johnny was held captive, his mother received a ransom letter demanding P100,000 or at least P50,000, threatening retaliation if she reported the incident to authorities. Under duress, she covertly alerted the police, preparing to meet the ransom demand with only P5,100.
Police Involvement and Capture
On January 31, 1994, while waiting in the church as per the ransom instructions, Johnny's mother encountered MaAago, who inquired about the ransom money. He fled upon being approached by a police officer. Subsequent investigations led to the capture of Deduyo in the act of trying to escape from Pasig, confirming his involvement in the kidnapping.
Trial and Testimony
Johnny’s account of the events was detailed and consistent, highlighting the assault on his liberty through coercion and manipulation, corroborated by testimonies from his mother and law enforcement officers. The defense's attempt to paint Deduyo as innocent was undermined by substantive evidence linking him to the crime, including his flight from justice.
Court's Findings and Conclusion
The trial court found Deduyo guilty based on the overwhelming evidence of his role as the mastermind behind the kidnapping. Key elements of the crime, as defined under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code, were met: the illegal deprivation of liberty, the threat of violence against Johnny, and the motive for extorting ransom.
Judgment and Penalty Modifications
The conviction was appealed on grounds of perceived innocence; however, the appellate court upheld the trial court's
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 138456)
Case Overview
- The case involves Rolando Deduyo, alias "Batman," who was found guilty of kidnapping for ransom by the Regional Trial Court of Antipolo, Rizal.
- The trial court sentenced Deduyo to reclusion perpetua, while his co-accused Isagani MaAago was acquitted.
- Deduyo's conviction arose from the kidnapping of a minor, Johnny Mauricio, along with a ransom demand for his release.
Background of the Case
- The incident occurred on January 30, 1994, when Johnny Mauricio, a 16-year-old boy, was lured by Deduyo into accompanying him under the false pretense of retrieving a baggage from the airport.
- Deduyo had previously known Johnny and gained his trust, which facilitated the abduction.
- The kidnapping was characterized by threats and a demand for ransom amounting to P100,000 or at least P50,000 from Johnny's family.
Arraignment and Trial
- Deduyo and MaAago were arraigned on June 7, 1994, and both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
- Deduyo escaped from Rizal Provincial Jail during a mass jailbreak on July 29, 1994, leading to a trial in absentia.
- The trial concluded with Deduyo being found guilty and sentenced, while MaAago was acquitted due to insufficient evidence proving his involvement.
Events Leading to the Kidnapping
- Johnny was approached by Deduyo at around 4:00 p.m. on January 30, 1994, while waiting for passengers with his tricycle.
- Trusting Deduyo, Johnny accompanied him, leaving his tricycle with a friend.
- They traveled to a house in Pasig City where Deduyo and his co-accused were drinking, and Johnny was left alone with Bayani, who threatened him with a knife.