Case Summary (G.R. No. 1727)
Key Facts of the Incident
On the evening of March 16, 1903, between 10 to 12 o'clock, a robbery occurred during which seven armed individuals attacked the residences of Luciano Rivera and Saturnino Gonzalez. The robbers were equipped with bolos and firearms, and they forcibly took items belonging to the victims: clothing valued at 2.50 pesos from Rivera, two carabaos worth 200 pesos from Gonzalez, and earrings valued at 2 pesos belonging to Gonzalez's wife. The violent nature of the crime was thoroughly established during the trial.
Assessment of Criminal Liability
The trial confirmed that the four defendants participated in the robbery, establishing their role as principals under the law. This involvement in the robbery was substantiated by the evidence presented during the proceedings, categorizing the offense as robbery en cuadrilla. The court noted the absence of evidence supporting the claim that the defendants constituted a band of brigands, as defined by applicable laws, thereby distinguishing their actions from the charge of bandolerismo.
Legal Classification of the Crime
Robbery en cuadrilla is specifically addressed under Article 504 of the Penal Code, while bandolerismo is defined by Acts No. 518 and 1121, which amend earlier provisions. The court articulated that, despite being initially charged with bandolerismo, the defendants could be convicted of the lesser crime of robbery en cuadrilla, which is inherent to the more grievous accusation. The legal principle applied allows for conviction of an included lesser offense when a greater crime
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 1727)
Case Overview
- The case revolves around a robbery incident that occurred on the night of March 16, 1903, in the barrio of Rio Chico, town of Penaranda, Province of Nueva Ecija.
- Seven armed individuals raided the houses of Luciano Rivera and Saturnino Gonzalez, committing acts of robbery.
Facts of the Case
- The robbery involved the following:
- The taking of clothing valued at 2.50 pesos belonging to Luciano Rivera.
- The theft of two carabaos valued at 200 pesos owned by Saturnino Gonzalez.
- The appropriation of a pair of earrings, valued at 2 pesos, belonging to the wife of Saturnino Gonzalez.
- The robbery was executed with violence against the occupants of the houses, as evidenced in the trial.
- The trial established the involvement of four defendants as participants in the robbery.
Legal Issues
- The primary legal question was whether the defendan