Case Summary (G.R. No. 134505)
Background of the Case
On May 8, 1991, at approximately 5:30 PM, a violent confrontation took place between the accused and the victim, Aladino Ygot, at the boundary of Barangays Osmeña and Cadulawan in Cataingan, Masbate. The accused, comprising Alejandro Go-od, Nestor Go-od, and others, allegedly attacked Ygot using bladed weapons, resulting in his death. The prosecution contended that all accused shared a collective intent to kill, as evidenced by the simultaneous assault on the victim.
Evidence for the Prosecution
The trial court noted that the prosecution's evidence consisted of eyewitness testimonies from two individuals, Anecia Monsalud and Gaudioso Suson, who witnessed the attack. They reported that the accused attacked Ygot with bolos, inflicting multiple wounds that resulted in fatal injuries. The autopsy revealed that Ygot sustained fifteen hack wounds, confirming the brutality of the attack. The court further established that Ygot was indeed aware of the attack on him, as he attempted to defend himself by wielding a bolo, injuring Nestor Go-od in the process.
Defense Presented by Accused-Appellant
Nestor Go-od’s defense was centered on denial of participation in the attack, asserting that he was not involved in Ygot's death. He claimed he was attacked first by Ygot, who allegedly injured him during a struggle. Nestor contended that his father intervened to protect him, resulting in Ygot's death by his father's hands after Nestor lost consciousness. However, this defense relied heavily on improbable claims that were unsupported by corroborating evidence.
Trial Court's Findings
The trial court ruled in favor of the prosecution, emphasizing the positive identification of the accused by eyewitnesses and the coherent evidence provided about the mode of the attack. The court concluded that a conspiracy existed among the accused, evidenced by their coordinated and simultaneous attacks. The court found that the killing was executed with treachery, highlighting the surprise and deliberation involved in the assault.
Appeal by Accused-Appellant
Nestor Go-od appealed the trial court's decision, challenging the weight given to eyewitness testimonies and arguing that his own injuries negated his involvement in the crime. He contended that Ygot’s attack incapacitated him and should absolve him from liability. The defense aimed to refute claims of conspiracy and treachery, arguing that his hospital treatment demonstrated his own victimization.
Supreme Court's Rationale
The Supreme Court held that conspiracy among the assailants was proven, rendering all co-principals equally liable irrespective of individual actions during the assault. It found that the attack's nature, characterized by surprise and overwhelming force against an unarmed victim, constituted treachery. The Court also clarified that although Ygot had wounded Nestor, it did not negate Nestor’s culpability for the conspiracy to commit murder.
Criminal L
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Case Overview
- Court: Supreme Court of the Philippines, Third Division
- Date of Decision: May 09, 2000
- G.R. No.: 134505
- Parties Involved: People of the Philippines (Plaintiff-Appellee) vs. Nestor Go-od (Accused-Appellant) and others (Alejandro Go-od, Sancho Go-od, Rufo Go-od, Empe Go-od)
- Charge: Murder
Background of the Case
- Accused-appellant Nestor Go-od, along with others, was charged with murder stemming from an incident on May 8, 1991.
- The information filed on August 9, 1991, detailed that the accused attacked Aladino Ygot with intent to kill, employing treachery and evident premeditation.
- The incident occurred at the boundary of Barangays Osmeña and Cadulawan, Cataingan, Masbate.
Arraignment and Trial
- Nestor and Alejandro Go-od were arraigned on October 9, 1991, both pleading not guilty.
- Alejandro Go-od died in detention on May 6, 1997, prior to judgment.
- The other accused (Sancho, Empe, and Rufo Go-od) remained at large during the proceedings.
Evidence for the Prosecution
- Eyewitnesses Anecia Monsalud and Gaudioso Suson observed the attack, confirming the involvement of the accused in the simultaneous hacking of the victim.
- The victim suffered fifteen hack wounds as detailed in the post-mortem examination report, leading to instantaneous death.
- Testimonies indicated that Aladino Ygot was initially unarmed and unable to defend hims