Case Summary (G.R. No. L-2731-32)
Overview of the Incident
The background of the murders stems from a complaint made by Pablo Ayson, who believed that Silos and Luanzon had stolen his vats. Following Ayson's report, Huk members, including Esteban Basilio and Segundo Serrano, captured Silos and Luanzon. The appellants Victoriano and Pineda subsequently participated in torturing and killing both victims, who were buried alive in a pit.
Trial Proceedings and Verdict
After a thorough joint trial, Judge Lucero found the appellants guilty of murder and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua in both cases, as well as to compensate the heirs of the victims in the amount of P2,000 each. This decision was based on substantial evidence, including witness testimonies and a confession by Ruben Victoriano.
Confessions and Testimonies
Ruben Victoriano admitted his involvement in the incident during an affidavit taken by Lt. Felicisirao Mostajo. He described how he was coerced into violence and the events leading to the deaths of the victims. Witnesses Manuel Austria and Lucerio Arceo, who participated as grave-diggers, corroborated the prosecution's evidence, detailing the heinous acts committed against Silos and Luanzon.
Defense Arguments
The appellants claimed they were merely passive bystanders in the events and sought to invoke Guerrilla Amnesty Proclamation No. 8 and Huk Amnesty Proclamation No. 76, asserting their actions were justified. However, the court found these defenses unconvincing, as the evidence illustrated that the victims were not spies, and their actions did not fall under the scope of the amnesty proclamations.
Analysis of Amnesty Proclamations
The court distinguished the crimes committed in this case from those covered by the amnesty proclamations cited by the appellants. It clarified that the proclamations were aimed at members of the Hukbalahap and were not ap
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-2731-32)
Case Overview
- This case involves appellants Ruben Victoriano (alias Vicks) and Pacifico Pineda (alias Edison), along with Segundo Serrano (alias Ferrer), who was still at large, accused of the murders of Pio Silos, Jr. and Damaso Luanzon.
- The murders took place on July 22, 1944, in Sibul, barrio of Manibaug-Pasig, Porac, Pampanga.
- The trial was held in the Court of First Instance of Pampanga, where Judge Antonio G. Lucero found the defendants guilty and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment) and ordered them to indemnify the heirs of the victims.
Background of the Case
- Prior to the murders, Pablo Ayson reported the theft of his cawas (vats), suspecting Pio Silos, Jr. and Damaso Luanzon.
- Eladio Ayson, the son of Pablo, informed a Huk leader, Fernando Tolentino, about the alleged theft, leading to the victims' apprehension.
- Late on the night of July 22, 1944, the victims were taken to a remote location by members of the Hukbalahap, where they were interrogated and subsequently murdered.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Murders
- Two unidentified men visited the home of Pio Silos, Sr. looking for Pio Silos, Jr. and Damaso Luanzon.
- At approximately 8:00 PM on July 22, 1944, Huks Esteban Basilio and Segundo Serrano brought the victims to an isolated location to dig a grave.
- The appellants, Victoriano and Pineda, arrived with Damaso Luanzon, who was tied up, and began to interrogate him regard