Case Summary (G.R. No. 100125)
Background of the Incident
Cecilia Arabis was discovered dead and discarded in a canal, with evidence suggesting she was a victim of sexual assault and subsequent murder. On November 17, 1987, Cecilia visited the house of Arsenio Aquino while Magalong and Lim were present, both allegedly under the influence of marijuana. The trio of accused engaged in acts leading to Cecilia’s death, with Magalong instigating the violence and sexual assault against her.
Proceedings and Testimonies
During the trial, various witnesses, including law enforcement personnel and family members of the victim, provided testimonies regarding the circumstances surrounding Cecilia’s death. Crucially, Arsenio Aquino, initially an accused, was later discharged by the trial court to testify as a state witness. His testimony, along with medical evidence from an autopsy conducted by Dr. Richard A. Patilano, established the facts of the assault and allowed the prosecution to build a compelling case against Magalong and Lim.
Defense Arguments
The defense for Magalong consisted mainly of a denial of involvement, supported by alibi witnesses who claimed he was elsewhere during the time of the crime. Lim did not present a defense and opted for a demurrer to evidence. However, the court found that the alibis and defenses presented could not eclipse the clear, detailed accounts provided by state witness Aquino and corroborated by the physical evidence.
Court's Findings and Conclusion
The trial court found both Magalong and Lim guilty of rape with homicide. It emphasized the weight of Aquino's testimony despite the defense's attempts to discredit it due to alleged inconsistencies. The court acknowledged the gravity of the offense, stating that had the crimes been committed after the enactment of Republic Act No. 7659, the accused would have faced the death penalty.
Determination of Penalties
The Court ultimately modified the trial court's decision, convicting both accused as principals rather than Lim being seen merely as an accomplice, as his actions constituted significant participation in the crime. Both Magalong and Lim were sentenced to reclusion perpetu
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 100125)
Case Overview
- The case involves the rape and murder of 7-year-old Cecilia Arabis.
- Accused: Romeo Magalong y Buado (principal), Eduardo Lim alias "Pilay" (principal), and Arsenio Aquino y Gonzales (accessory).
- All accused pleaded not guilty during arraignment.
- The prosecution's key witnesses included Patrolman Bayani Velasco, Amorosa Francisco, and Lilia P. Arabis, with the Rural Health Officer's testimony dispensed due to the defense's admission of the authenticity of the death certificate and autopsy report.
Background of the Incident
- Cecilia was living with her mother in a makeshift house in Olongapo City.
- On November 17, 1987, Cecilia went to the house of Arsenio Aquino searching for her mother.
- At the time, Magalong and Lim were present at Aquino's house, under the influence of marijuana.
The Crime
- Upon Cecilia's arrival, Magalong instructed Aquino to bring her to a room where he would choke her.
- Lim intervened and choked Cecilia, causing her to briefly lose consciousness.
- Magalong then removed Cecilia's clothing and attempted sexual assault.
- After Cecilia screamed, Magalong suffocated her with his shirt, leading to her death due to cardio-respiratory arrest and cerebral hemorrhage.
- The body was subsequently disposed of in a canal and covered with garbage.
Discovery and Investigation
- Lilia Arabis, Cecilia's mother, reported her daughter mi