Case Summary (G.R. No. 4904)
Factual Background
On July 12, 1906, a complaint was filed accusing the aforementioned defendants of murdering Bibiano Cabral on March 25, 1905. The prosecution alleged that while escorting Cabral from Batangas to Taal following his arrest by Lieutenant James McLean, the Constabulary soldiers treacherously killed him. The lower court sentenced Taguian to twenty years imprisonment and imposed ten years and a day for the others, alongside an indemnity payment to Cabral's heirs.
Evidence and Testimony
During the trial, conflicting evidence emerged from both the prosecution and the defense. Witnesses for the prosecution reported that they heard Cabral cry for help and claim he had committed no crime just before shots were fired. Conversely, the defense argued that the accused acted in the course of their duties when they fired shots at Cabral, who was attempting to escape. They claimed that upon noticing Cabral and another prisoner running, they had no choice but to fire as per their duty to prevent escape.
Analysis of the Incident
Witness statements indicated that during the march toward Taal, Cabral and Leonardo Sangalang, who were tied together, managed to run away. The circumstances under which Cabral was killed, primarily the manner of restraint by the Constabulary and the subsequent gunfire, were contested. The defense maintained that Cabral's death was a consequence of his actions while attempting to flee, thereby asserting a defense of duty and necessity.
Verdict and Legal Reasoning
The court acknowledged the presumption of innocence and, due to the conflicting testimonies and insufficient evidence proving the defendants' culpability, ruled in favor of acquittal. Articles from the Penal Code indicating exemptions from criminal liability when actions are executed
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 4904)
Case Background
- The case involves a complaint filed on July 12, 1906, by the provincial fiscal of Batangas against Jose Magno, Juan Rio, Baldomero Taguian, Pablo Moral, and Lino Dalafu for the crime of murder.
- The alleged crime occurred on March 25, 1905, in Taal, Batangas, where the defendants, members of the Constabulary, were accused of treacherously killing their prisoner, Bibiano Cabral, while conducting him under arrest.
- The complaint detailed that after Cabral was shot, his body was buried at the scene of the killing.
Proceedings and Initial Judgment
- On August 7, 1906, the court rendered judgment sentencing Baldomero Taguian to twenty years of imprisonment (cadena temporal) and the others to ten years and one day of imprisonment (presidio mayor).
- The accused were also ordered to pay an indemnity of 1,000 Philippine pesos to Cabral's heirs and to share the costs of the proceedings.
Appeal and Examination of Evidence
- The defense appealed the judgment, prompting a review of the conflicting evidence presented at trial.
- The prosecution claimed that the Constabulary had deliberately killed Cabral, while the defense argued that the shooting occurred in the course of duty when Cabral attempted to escape.
Testimonies from the Prosecution
- Witnesses testified that they hear