Case Summary (G.R. No. 132696-97)

Conviction and Sentencing of Ramon Navarro

Ramon Navarro, the accused-appellant, was convicted of Murder with the Use of an Unlicensed Firearm and sentenced to reclusion perpetua by the Regional Trial Court in Alaminos, Pangasinan. He was also ordered to pay the victim's heirs P100,000. Two separate Informations were filed against him: one for murder and another for aggravated illegal possession of a firearm. The murder charge alleged that Navarro shot Romeo Calizar with intent to kill, using treachery and evident premeditation.

• Convicted of Murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
• Sentenced to reclusion perpetua and ordered to pay P100,000 in damages.
• Two separate Informations filed: one for murder, one for illegal possession of a firearm.

Prosecution's Case and Eyewitness Testimony

The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of Bob Regaspi, who witnessed the shooting. Regaspi testified that he saw Navarro exit a jeep, pull Calizar out, kick him, and then shoot him three times. Despite the nighttime setting, Regaspi claimed he could identify Navarro due to sufficient illumination from nearby vehicles. He did not report the incident immediately due to fear of Navarro's reputation as a killer.

• Key witness: Bob Regaspi.
• Regaspi observed Navarro shoot Calizar three times.
• Fear of Navarro prevented immediate reporting of the crime.

Additional Witnesses and Evidence

Other witnesses included Demetria Calizar, the victim's wife, who confirmed Regaspi's account, and Dr. Maria Victoria Orfinada, who provided the death certificate indicating multiple gunshot wounds as the cause of death. Police officers testified about the crime scene and the recovery of .45 caliber shells and slugs. The prosecution established that Navarro was not licensed to possess a firearm.

• Demetria Calizar corroborated Regaspi's testimony.
• Death certificate confirmed multiple gunshot wounds.
• Police recovered .45 caliber shells at the crime scene.

Defense's Arguments and Witnesses

The defense presented several witnesses, including Mayor Leon Rivera, who claimed he was unaware of any criminal charges against Navarro. However, he acknowledged community concerns regarding Navarro's alleged gang activities. The defense attempted to discredit Regaspi by suggesting he had a motive to lie and presented alternative theories about the murder.

• Defense witnesses included local officials and community members.
• Attempted to discredit Regaspi's credibility.
• Suggested conspiracy involving Regaspi and Demetria Calizar.

Trial Court's Findings and Judgment

The trial court found Regaspi's testimony credible and consistent, dismissing the defense's claims of conspiracy and alternative theories. The court noted the treachery involved in the murder, as Calizar was unarmed and caught off guard. The court also recognized the illegal possession of a firearm as an aggravating circumstance in the murder charge.

• Trial court upheld Regaspi's credibility.
• Found treachery in the manner of the murder.
• Considered illegal possession of a firearm as an aggravating circumstance.

Appeal and Rejection of Errors

Navarro's appeal raised several assignments of error, including the claim that the conviction was based on uncorroborated testimony and judicial notice of extraneous facts. The appellate court found no merit in these arguments, affirming the trial c...continue reading