Case Summary (G.R. No. L-3918)
Charges and Verdict
Juan Erra faced seven counts of treason, ultimately found guilty on counts three, four, five, and seven. Consequently, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, a fine of P5,000, and additional accessory penalties, including the payment of court costs. It is undisputed that Erra is a Filipino citizen, native, and resident of the Philippines.
Count Three: Testimony Against Erra
In count three, Felix Francisco and Feliciano Ebol testified about an incident on December 5, 1944, where Erra, alongside three Japanese soldiers, accused Feliciano Ebol of being a guerrilla. Ebol was subsequently taken by the Japanese forces, slapped, and questioned about a rifle he allegedly possessed. Ebol endured mistreatment and was detained for 14 days before his eventual release.
Count Four: Arrest of Hermenegildo Flores
Count four detailed Erra's involvement in the arrest of Hermenegildo Flores in early January 1945. Witnesses, including Pedro Anastacio and Eusebio L. Santos, reported that Erra led the Japanese soldiers to Flores, who was then apprehended and accused of aiding guerrillas. Flores was physically punished and confined in a box for approximately 38 hours as a means of coercion.
Count Five: Capture of Onofre Ebol
Count five pertains to the abduction of Onofre Ebol on February 5, 1945. Ebol recounted how Juan Erra pointed him out to Japanese soldiers, leading to his capture and mistreatment. During his detention, Ebol was interrogated about his alleged support for guerrillas and tortured, remaining imprisoned for six days. His testimony was substantiated by Eusebio Santos.
Count Seven: Testimony of Esteban Carpio
In the final charge, count seven, Esteban Carpio described an incident on February 22, 1945, where Erra again facilitated his arrest by Japanese forces. After being taken to various locations for questioning, Carpio endured five days of detention without food or water, although he later received an apology from the Japanese commander, blaming the wrongful detention on Erra's accusations.
Defendant’s Defense and Testimonies
In his defense, Erra claimed that the alleged victims had not fulfilled a supposed agreement to deliver palay (rice) to the Japanese authorities, suggesting that their arrests stemmed from this failure rather than any treasonous acts. However, witnesses denied the existence of such an agreement and indicated that the Japanese forces typically would
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-3918)
Case Background
- This case involves treason charges against Juan Erra, a Filipino citizen.
- The case was initially filed with the People's Court but was transferred to the Court of First Instance of Zamboanga following the abolition of the former.
- Juan Erra was charged with seven counts of treason and was found guilty on counts 3, 4, 5, and 7.
- The court sentenced him to life imprisonment, a fine of P5,000, and accessory penalties, along with costs.
Evidence and Testimonies
- The prosecution presented several witnesses who testified about Erra's involvement in acts that supported the Japanese military during World War II.
Count 3:
- Incident Date: December 5, 1944.
- Witnesses: Felix Francisco and Feliciano Ebol.
- Account:
- Witnesses were in the Gawit marketplace when Erra, accompanied by three Japanese soldiers, identified Feliciano Ebol as a guerrilla.
- Ebol was subsequently hogtied, slapped, and taken for interrogation regarding a rifle he allegedly possessed.
- Ebol was detained for 14 days and subjected to maltreatment during this period.
Count 4:
- Incident Date: Early January 1945.
- Witnesses: Hermenegildo Flores, Pedro Anastacio, Eusebio L. Santos.
- Account:
- Flores was working on his farm when Erra, armed with a bolo, led three Japanese soldiers to him.
- Erra pointed out Flores as a suspected guerrilla, leading to Flores being tied up and taken for questioning.
- He was confined in a box for approximately