Case Summary (G.R. No. L-27903)
Charges and Initial Proceedings
The defendants faced charges for "robbery with double homicide and double frustrated homicide." An automatic review was triggered following the defendants' initial pleas of "not guilty," which were later changed to "guilty" by Crisostomo Saquing and others, resulting in life sentences for them. In contrast, Antonio Saquing pleaded not guilty and was ultimately sentenced to death.
Incident Overview
On the evening of October 23, 1961, the defendants entered the home of Florentino Guerra under the pretense of being Constabulary soldiers. They were invited in by Gavina Burgos, Guerra's wife. During their stay, they feigned the necessity to inspect firearms, ultimately coercing the family to reveal money and valuables. The situation escalated into violence, with several individuals being restrained and later led to a remote area where they were assaulted.
Acts of Violence and Homicide
Antonio Saquing, along with his co-defendants, was involved in the brutal assault and killings of Guerra and Cacayan. The victims were attacked with bladed weapons after being tied up, leading to fatal injuries. Post-mortem examinations revealed significant head trauma resulting from the assaults, clearly indicating homicide.
Defense Claims and Court Findings
Antonio Saquing’s defense relied on an alibi, asserting he was bedridden due to health issues on the day of the crime. However, witnesses provided consistent and credible identification of Saquing at the scene, undermining his claims. The trial court found his alibi unconvincing, especially given evidence showing he participated in the crime directly.
Legal Classification of the Crime
The court underscored that the legal framework for the prosecution fell under robbery with homicide as defined in the Revised Penal Code. It determined that while the term "homicide" can generically encompass murder, the legal classification of the crime must recognize that multiple victims could emerge from a single act of robbery, emphasizing the integrated nature of the crime.
Aggravating Circumstances
In imposing the death penalty, the Court identified multiple aggravating circumstances, including the perpetrators’ deceitful conduct, treachery in executing the crime under the cover of darkness, and the secluded nature of the crime scene. The defendants’ pretense of authority as Constabulary soldiers further exacerbated the severity of their actions.
Sentencing and Penalties
As a result, Antonio Saquing was sente
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-27903)
Case Overview
- The case involves the prosecution of five individuals for the crime of "robbery with double homicide and double frustrated homicide."
- The defendants included Edmundo Macarubbo (alias Dummun), Melencio Battung (alias Melis), Crisostomo Saquing (alias Timoy), Antonio Saquing (alias Tonio), and Macario Corpuz (alias Cario), all from Cattaran, Solana, Cagayan.
- Melencio Battung remains at large.
- The case primarily concerns Antonio Saquing, father of defendant Crisostomo Saquing, who was sentenced to death by the trial court, while the others received life imprisonment after pleading guilty.
Factual Background
- The events took place on October 23, 1961, when Gavina Burgos Vda. de Guerra, the wife of Florentino Guerra, was visited by five men claiming to be Philippine Constabulary soldiers.
- The men were invited into their home, where they had coffee and dinner, during which they expressed their intent to inspect firearms due to the upcoming election.
- They subsequently took Florentino Guerra, along with others, under the pretense of arresting a former Huk, Victorio Ramos.
- The group then proceeded to commit robbery and violence, ultimately leading to the murder of Florentino Guerra and Antonio Cacayan, while also inflicting harm on others present.
Sequence of Events
- The five accused, after dining with the Guerra family, left to "a