Case Summary (G.R. No. 206725)
Accusations and Charges
Jose Dizon was accused of multiple counts of treason under the Revised Penal Code, specifically Article 114, based on his collaboration with the Imperial Japanese Forces by participating in the apprehension and arrest of suspected guerrilla members. The charges stemmed from various incidents where he allegedly assisted in turning over individuals to the enemy, who subjected them to maltreatment and execution.
Details of the Incidents
The specific charges included the following incidents:
- On August 2, 1943, Dizon allegedly led the arrest of Roman Malapitan and turned him over to Japanese forces, resulting in Malapitan’s execution.
- On October 5, 1944, he was involved in the arrest of Maximo Avendano, also resulting in his execution.
- On November 3, 1944, he participated in the apprehension of Isidoro de los Angeles, turning him over to the Japanese forces who tortured and executed him.
- Dizon was involved in the arrests of several other individuals, including Major Leopoldo F. Santos, Roque Lazaga, Antonio Alumno, Jurado Alumno, and Lucio Aguilar, all of whom were accused of being guerrilla members and subsequently executed.
Evidence Presented
The prosecution's case was supported by testimonies from various witnesses, including relatives of the victims who testified about Dizon's involvement in these arrests. Key witnesses provided corroborative accounts of Dizon’s role and presence during the apprehensions.
Trial Court's Findings
The trial court found Dizon guilty on all counts except for counts involving Maximo Avendano and the enlistment as a member of the Makapili, which the court deemed insufficiently proven. He was sentenced to reclusion perpetua and fined P10,000. The court based its decision primarily on the substantial evidence against Dizon, which established a consistent pattern of betrayal against his fellow countrymen.
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Case Overview
- The case involves the appellant, Jose Dizon, who was accused of treason against the Philippines.
- The charges were based on multiple incidents where Dizon allegedly acted as an informer for the Imperial Japanese Forces during their occupation in World War II.
- The incidents involved leading, accompanying, and participating in the apprehension of individuals suspected of being guerrilla members, resulting in their subsequent torture and execution.
Charges Against the Accused
- The information against Dizon contained eight specific counts of treason, each detailing different incidents of his collaboration with the Japanese forces:
- Count 1: Apprehension of Roman Malapitan on August 2, 1943.
- Count 2: Apprehension of Maximo Avendano on October 5, 1944.
- Count 3: Apprehension of Isidoro de los Angeles on November 3, 1944.
- Count 4: Apprehension of Major Leopoldo F. Santos on November 16, 1944.
- Count 5: Apprehension of Roque Lazaga on November 16, 1944.
- Count 6: Apprehension of Antonio and Jurado Alumno on November 16, 1944.
- Count 7: Apprehension of Lucio Aguilar on November 24, 1944.
- Count 8: Voluntary enlistment in the Makapili in December 1944.
Trial Court Findings
- The trial court found Dizon guilty on