Case Summary (G.R. No. L-19149)
Incident Overview
On April 26, 1960, Chua Nai Su was shot inside a pickup truck shortly after leaving the Insular-Yebana Tobacco Corporation warehouse in Barrio Palattao, Naguilian. His driver fled the scene, and Chua was subsequently found dead near the company gate. The attackers were seen fleeing in the same pickup truck used by Nana Su. Following the crime, arrests were made and subsequent investigations led to the filing of related charges against multiple defendants.
Arrest and Investigation
Investigations were initiated shortly after the incident. Conrado de Leon, a key figure, was arrested on April 27, leading to the arrest of other co-conspirators, including Ruben Concepcion, Manuel Mamuri, and Ben Paredes, who was implicated by confessions given by other accused. The complexity of the case escalated with the filing of separate informations for various defendants, consolidating into Criminal Case No. 2702.
Testimonies and Evidence
The prosecution relied heavily on testimonies from accomplices, including a plea of guilt by Ruben Concepcion, and corroborating witnesses who provided details on the planning and execution of the robbery. Subsequent accounts detailed meetings between the accused, discussions on the robbery, and an understanding of their roles prior to the crime.
Role of Local Officials
Testimonies revealed that local officials, including Chief of Police Protasio Santos and Pascual Bartolome, had promised rewards for the commission of the crime and discussed plans that indicated they were complicit. This raised significant legal implications regarding their intent and involvement in the full conspiracy to commit robbery and homicide.
Alibi Defense
Appellants Paredes, Santos, and Bartolome presented alibis in their defense, attempting to prove their absence from the crime scene during the event. They argued their activities during the time of the crime established their lack of participation. However, the trial court found their defenses lacking in credibility against the overwhelming evidence of their involvement in a conspiracy.
Credibility of Witnesses
The appeals raised questions about the trustworthiness of the testimonies of the state witnesses due to their status as accomplices. However, the court reaffirmed that corroboration by independent witnesses supported the accusations against Paredes, Santos, and Bartolome, determining their t
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-19149)
Case Overview
- The case involves an appeal by Ben Paredes, Protasio Santos, and Pascual Bartolome from the decision of the Court of First Instance of Isabela, which found them guilty of robbery with homicide and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua.
- The trial court also ordered them to indemnify the heirs of the victim, Chua Nai Su, and the Insular-Yebana Tobacco Corporation.
Background of the Crime
- On April 26, 1960, Chua Nai Su was shot and killed while inside a pick-up truck belonging to the Insular-Yebana Tobacco Corporation.
- The driver of the truck escaped unharmed, while Chua Nai Su succumbed to his injuries shortly after the shooting.
- Witnesses observed the assailants leaving the scene using the same pick-up truck.
Arrest and Investigation
- The police investigation began on April 27, 1960, when Conrado de Leon was apprehended and led to the arrest of other suspects, including Ben Paredes and Manuel Mamuri.
- The prosecution utilized the extrajudicial confessions of several accused to file charges against all involved in the crime.
Consolidation of Cases
- Criminal Cases Nos. 2702 and 2718 were consolidated due to the identical charges against the defendants, allowing for a more efficient trial process.
- The accused entered pleas of "not guilty" during their arraignment.
Participation of Defendants
- The account of th