Penalties for Highway Robbery or Brigandage
- Convicted persons may be imprisoned for up to twenty years.
- Court has discretion on the length of imprisonment.
- If acts committed by the band are punishable by other laws with harsher penalties, prosecution shall be under the relevant laws with applicable punishments.
Aiding or Abetting a Band of Brigands
- Any person who knowingly and willingly aids the band by:
- Giving information about government or military forces’ movements.
- Securing or receiving stolen property from brigands.
- Procuring or furnishing supplies such as money, food, clothing, arms, or ammunition.
- Hiding, lodging, harboring, or assisting a member of the band in escaping.
- Such persons face imprisonment for up to ten years upon conviction.
- The law presumes knowledge and willingness in committing such acts unless proven otherwise.
Implementation and Effectivity
- The amendments took effect immediately upon passage.
- Enacted as part of urgent public interest to amend existing laws on highway robbery and brigandage.