Case Summary (G.R. No. 6739)
Incident Details
On the morning of May 3, 1910, Go Sui Chiang discovered unauthorized fishing activity occurring in his licensed maritime zone. Upon confronting Luis Bien, who was involved in the alleged illegal fishing, a physical altercation ensued. Bien is said to have forcibly thrown Chiang into the water, knowing the latter could not swim. Amid Chiang's cries for help, two witnesses, Camilo Bas and Victorino Bas, intervened and prevented the escalation of the incident by rescuing him from potential drowning.
Legal Proceedings and Judgment
Following the incident, Chiang reported the assault to the barrio lieutenant while still wet from the ordeal. Subsequently, on September 20, 1910, the provincial fiscal filed a complaint against Bien, charging him with frustrated homicide. The trial court found sufficient evidence supporting the charge, and on November 8, 1910, Bien was sentenced to six years of prision mayor and ordered to pay costs. Bien appealed the conviction.
Evaluation of Evidence
At trial, evidence established that Bien had engaged in overt acts constituting an attempted homicide. The court ruled that the nature of Bien's actions—specifically, throwing a non-swimmer into deep water—demonstrated a clear intent to cause harm, resulting in an attempted homicide classification. While witnesses for the defense denied witnessing the actual act, their testimony contrasted sharply with those who intervened, ultimately failing to provide a credible alternative explanation for Chiang's predicament. The prosecution also successfully established that Bien had no justifiable reason to act against Chiang, who was legally fishing in a licensed area.
Conclusion and Sentence
Given the absence of corroborating evidence supporting the defense's claims and the clear i
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Case Overview
- The case concerns an appeal by the defendant, Luis Bien, from a conviction judgment issued by Judge P. M. Moir.
- The incident occurred on May 3, 1910, involving a confrontation between Luis Bien and Go Sui Chiang, a Chinaman and resident of Bacacay, Albay.
Factual Background
- Go Sui Chiang was informed that individuals were fishing in a maritime zone he had a concession for.
- Upon reaching the fishing site, Chiang encountered Luis Bien, who was in a boat.
- Chiang ordered Bien to cease fishing, leading to an altercation where Bien physically assaulted Chiang by throwing him into the water.
Incident Details
- Go Sui Chiang, unable to swim, struggled to stay afloat and managed to cling to the gunwale of his own boat.
- Witnesses Camilo Bas and Victorino Bas intervened after hearing Chiang's cries for help, preventing further harm from Bien.
- They assisted Chiang to shore, where he reported the incident to the barrio lieutenant, arriving with wet clothes.
Legal Proceedings
- On September 20, 1910, the provincial fiscal charged Luis Bien with frustrated homicide.
- The trial concluded with a judgment on November 8, sentencing Bien to six years of prision mayor and requiring him to pay costs.
Court Findings
- The cou