Case Summary (G.R. No. L-39025)
Summary of Charges
The prosecution alleged that the accused conspired to kill Ricardo Daligdig, using homemade shotguns, with the qualifying circumstances of treachery and evident premeditation. Consequently, the trial court sentenced Rodolfo Yurong and Felix Bahian to reclusion perpetua, along with ordering them to pay indemnities totaling P37,000 to the heirs of the victim, which reflected damages for death indemnity, loss of earning capacity, moral damages, and exemplary damages.
Circumstances of the Crime
On the night of the incident, after supper, Ricardo Daligdig was shot while investigating the barking of dogs outside his home. Following the shooting, witnesses described how Rufina Daligdig attempted to assist her husband before seeking help from neighbors. Eventually, she identified Yurong and Bahian as two of the assailants of her husband during her testimony.
Evidence and Testimonies
Rufina Daligdig testified that she recognized the two men who shot her husband, despite initially withholding their identities out of fear for her safety. After the victim's burial, she reported the incident to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and identified Yurong and Bahian by name in a sworn affidavit.
Furthermore, a pivotal witness, Dionisio Martinez, corroborated Rufina's account, having seen both Yurong and Bahian on the night of the murder armed with shotguns and discussing their intention to harm Ricardo Daligdig.
Defense Arguments
Yurong and Bahian claimed alibi, asserting they were elsewhere at the time of the shooting. However, the court found their testimonies insufficient and inconsistent with the evidence presented. The defense also argued that the motive for killing Daligdig was not established; however, the trial court noted that motive is not strictly necessary for a murder conviction when identification of the accused is clear.
Ruling and Legal Considerations
The trial court established that the accused were guilty of murder, highlighting treachery and dwelling as qualifying circumstances. While the law provided for the death penalty for such an offense, the court ultimately sentenced the appellants to reclusion perpetua due
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-39025)
Case Overview
- This case concerns the murder of Ricardo Daligdig committed on the evening of November 4, 1971, in Libas, Sawang, Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte.
- The accused include Rodolfo Yurong alias Rudy, Felix Bahian, Apolinario Bahian, Sale Lagudas, and Amado Garcenes.
- The prosecution charged the accused with murder, highlighting the use of treachery and evident premeditation in the crime.
Facts of the Case
- Ricardo and Rufina Daligdig were preparing for bed at their home when Ricardo went to investigate the barking of dogs.
- As Ricardo approached the stairs, he was shot, resulting in multiple wounds that caused his immediate death.
- Rufina witnessed the shooting and recognized two of the assailants as Rodolfo Yurong and Felix Bahian.
- After the shooting, the intruders shot at the Daligdig pumpboat before leaving the scene.
- Neighbors were called for help, but Rufina's attempts to seek assistance were unsuccessful.
- Rufina later identified the assailants to the authorities after her husband's burial due to fear of retaliation.
Trial Proceedings
- Upon arraignment, all accused pleaded not guilty, and the trial commenced.
- The defense motioned for the dismissal of charges against Sale Lagudas