Case Summary (G.R. No. L-15544)
Charges and Sentencing
Eugenio Escosura was found guilty on counts one and two of treason and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, a fine of P10,000, and the costs. The convictions were based on testimony regarding Escosura's involvement in arresting local guerrilla fighters and conspiring with Japanese forces, which constituted an adherence to the enemy as defined under Philippine law.
Testimonies Supporting Prosecution
On count one, Jose de Castro, a municipal policeman, testified that Escosura participated in the arrest of police officers during a Japanese raid on October 8, 1943, identifying him as one of several Filipinos cooperating with Japanese soldiers. De Castro described Escosura carrying a rifle and being involved in acts of intimidation against local guerrillas. Similarly, Adolfo Bascon corroborated this account by mentioning that he had seen Escosura in the presence of Japanese forces on numerous occasions.
In count two, Candelaria M. Santos recounted the arrest of her husband, Major Leopoldo Santos, by Japanese troops and collaborating Filipinos, including Escosura on November 16, 1944. She described the traumatic events leading to her husband’s fatal injuries and suggested that Escosura played a prominent role in the armed assault. Additional testimony from Pablo Alumno supported this by recounting the events leading to Major Santos' capture, further implicating Escosura as an active participant in the treacherous collaboration.
Defense and Contradictions
In contrast, the defense called several witnesses, including Valentin de los Reyes and Antonio Patapat, who provided alibis and denied Escosura's involvement in the activities described by the prosecution. However, these testimonies did not successfully undermine the consistency of the prosecution's accounts, as the contradictions noted were deemed not sufficient to discredit the overall credibility of the primary witnesses.
Legal Principles and Evaluation
The ruling hinged on the interpretation of "adherence to the enemy" as established in Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code, which requires at least two witnesses to substantiate claims of overt acts. The trial court found that while some charges did not meet the two-witness requirement, the nature of Escosura's actions demonstrated a profound complicity in treasonous activities, satisfied by the testimonies presented.
Affirmation of Judgment
The appellate court affirmed the judgment of the People’s Court, ruling that the acts of Escosura undeniably in
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-15544)
Case Overview
- The case involves the appellant, Eugenio Escosura, who was charged with treason on six counts.
- The People’s Court found him guilty on counts 1 and 2, resulting in a sentence of reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment), a fine of P10,000, and the costs of the trial.
Testimonies of the Prosecution
Count 1: Arrest of Jose de Castro
- Jose de Castro, a municipal policeman, testified about an incident on October 8, 1943, when Japanese soldiers, accompanied by Filipinos including Escosura, arrested him and six other policemen.
- The group was taken to a garrison in Calamba, interrogated about guerrilla activities, and subjected to harsh treatment, including being made to dig holes for potential burial.
- De Castro recognized Escosura as one of the Filipinos aiding the Japanese, asserting that he was armed and involved in these actions multiple times.
Count 2: Abduction of Major Leopoldo Santos
- Candelaria M. Santos recounted the arrest of her husband, Major Leopoldo Santos, on November 16, 1944, during which Escosura was present, armed, and actively participated.
- Santos described her husband's violent arrest, where he was wounded and later died, allegedly due to his involvement in guerrilla activities.
- Pablo Alumno corroborated her testimony, detailing how he observed Escosura leading the group that arrested Major Santos, further implicating Escosura in the c