Case Summary (G.R. No. 67170-72)
Factual Background
On the day of the incident, Maghanoy engaged in a drinking spree, which escalated into violence. After being subdued by Sergeant Carlos Martinez, he and trainee Bartolome retrieved rifles from the PC barracks, returning to the market where they fired into the air. Subsequently, they threatened peace officers and then proceeded to attack civilians, leading to the deaths of Montante, Bartolome, Baguio, and Pacanot. Maghanoy was eventually apprehended after hiding for three days.
Prosecution's Case
The prosecution established a strong case against Maghanoy, citing the credibility and consistency of its witnesses, who detailed the sequence of events surrounding the shootings. The trial court found no motive for these witnesses to falsely accuse Maghanoy, and it noted that the testimony was straightforward and heavily corroborated by physical evidence, including post-mortem findings.
Defense Argument
Maghanoy's defense centered around the assertion that he was innocent and had merely been framed, suggesting that either Bartolome or the pursuing peace officers were responsible for the killings. However, the court found these claims implausible, supported by the forensic evidence that directly linked Maghanoy to the crimes.
Rejection of Defense Claims
The trial court rejected the defense's arguments, highlighting several inconsistencies in Maghanoy's explanations and noting that his defense was fundamentally baseless. For example, the notion that Montante killed Bartolome contradicted medical evidence regarding the wounds on both victims. The defense's failure to produce key evidence, such as the rifle purportedly used by Bartolome, further weakened their position.
Legal Findings
The trial court initially ruled that Maghanoy should face homicide charges for the murders of Montante and Bartolome due to the lack of treachery. However, upon review, it became clear that Maghanoy demonstrated premeditation by arming himself and returning to the public market with clear intent to harm, thereby qualifying the acts as murder.
Penalties and Civil Liabilities
The penalty imposed for each murder was determined to be reclusion perpetua, given the absence of mitigating circumstances. The trial court also consolidated charges related to the complex crime of double mur
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 67170-72)
Case Information
- Court: Supreme Court of the Philippines
- Division: First Division
- Date: December 15, 1989
- G.R. Nos.: 67170-72
- Parties: The People of the Philippines (Plaintiff-Appellee) vs. Herson Maghanoy (Accused-Appellant)
Case Background
- The case revolves around a series of violent killings committed by Herson Maghanoy, who, while under the influence of alcohol, caused the deaths of four individuals and wounded another.
- The incidents occurred during the evening of July 11, 1978, in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.
- The accused-appellant was a second-class constable and had been drinking since the afternoon with a police trainee, Dominador Bartolome.
Events Leading to the Incident
- By 7 PM, Maghanoy was heavily intoxicated and began causing disturbances at the public market.
- Police Sergeant Carlos Martinez attempted to pacify him but was attacked by Maghanoy.
- After this confrontation, Maghanoy and Bartolome acquired their armalite rifles from the PC barracks and returned to the market.
The Killings
- Upon their return, they fired shots into the air, signaling hostility, and later directed their weapons at peace officers.
- Maghanoy shot both Bartolome and Pat. Raul Montante, resulting in Montante's death that night and Barto