Case Summary (G.R. No. 108919)
Charges
The accused faced charges of Robbery with Homicide related to the incident on August 12, 1990. The Third Amended Information detailed numerous items taken from Gary Salvosa, including firearms and cash, alongside the violent circumstances of his assassination.
Victim and Incident
Gary Salvosa, the 41-year-old owner of GP Shopping Arcade, was discovered deceased in his penthouse by his family in the morning of August 13, 1990. The autopsy revealed the cause of death to be multiple stab wounds. Evidence indicated that he had been tied up, suggesting premeditation on the part of the assailants.
Investigation and Arrest
The police investigation was spearheaded by Patrolman Ray Ekid, who processed the crime scene and gathered testimonies. A significant breakthrough occurred when state witness Marlon Angco provided information leading to the arrest of various suspects. The authorities recovered stolen firearms and a vehicle linked to the crime, eventually arresting Pinlac, Cordero, and others involved.
Trial and Defenses
During the trial, Cordero and Pinlac were represented by lawyers from the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) and both executed extrajudicial confessions admitting their roles in the crime. The defense posited that Angco was the most culpable and should not have been discharged as a state witness. However, the court determined that Angco's testimony was credible and that he had not directly participated in the robbery.
Court Findings
The trial court concluded that Cordero, Pinlac, Salazar, and the Batac brothers played principal roles in the crime, while Sales Sabadao was deemed an accomplice. Consequently, the court sentenced them to reclusion perpetua. The trial court also imposed civil liabilities on the accused, including monetary compensation for damages incurred by the victim’s h
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 108919)
Case Overview
- The case involves multiple accused charged with the crime of robbery with homicide against Gary Salvosa.
- The incident occurred on August 12, 1990, in Baguio City, Philippines.
- The accused include Edgar Cordero, Ernesto Pinlac y Baniqued, Jimmy Salazar, Elpidio Batac (alias "Domingo"), Domingo Batac (alias "Dennis"), Sales Sabadao (alias "Sonny"), Marlon Angco, Fred Batac, and Ben Balocon (still at large).
Charges and Information
- A Third Amended Information was filed on May 13, 1991, detailing the robbery and the homicide of Gary Salvosa.
- The information specified the articles stolen and the manner in which the crime was committed, highlighting the use of violence, intimidation, and premeditation.
- The total value of the stolen items amounted to P556,555.00.
Arraignment and Pleas
- During the arraignment on September 3, 1990, Edgar Cordero and Domingo Batac pleaded guilty.
- The remaining accused, except for Ben Balocon, pleaded not guilty, leading to a trial on the merits.
Antecedent Facts
- Gary Salvosa, a businessman, owned GP Shopping Arcade and occasionally stayed in its penthouse.
- On August 12, 1990, Gary discussed plans with his wife for a trip and later went to the GP building, taking P5,000.00 and his wallet.
- Edgar Cordero was the security guard on duty that night and had been entrusted with a shotgun belonging to Gary.
Discovery of the Crime
- Gary's body was discovered on August 13, 1990, by his son and a janitor, showing si