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SECOND DIVISION

G.R. No. L-27569 October 28, 1977

THE PEOPLE OF PHILIPPINES plaintiff-appellee, vs. DOMINGO PASCUAL AND SERGIO NICOLAS (Appeal Withdrawn), Defendants-Appellants. DOMINGO PASCUAL, Defendant-Appellant.

SANTOS, J.: chanrobles virtual law library

For the death on December 29, 1964 of Odarlico Sotero, 28 years old, married, jobless of Mayantoc, Tarlac, Domingo and Sergio Nicolas, barrio lads, then eighteen and nineteen years old respectively, and farm hands in Bo. Pitombayog, also of Mayantoc, were charged with the crime of murder before Branch I, Court of First Instance of Tarlac, the Hon. Jose T. Lantin presiding. Both accused pleaded not guilty; but after trial, they were convicted and sentenced as follows:

(T)o suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua with the accessory penalties prescribed by law, to indemnify jointly and severally the of the deceased Odarlico Sotero in the sum of P6,000.00, to indemnify jointly and severally the widow of said deceased in the amount of P792.00 as actual expenses incurred by her as a consequence of the death of her husband, both without subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency, and to pay the costs.¹chanrobles virtual law library

A notice of appeal ² having been filed for both accused by their counsel, the records were erroneously transmitted to the Court of Appeals ³ which forwarded the same to this Court. ⁴ chanrobles virtual law library

On March 18, 1969, before the brief for the appellants was filed, Sergio Nicolas withdrew his appeal for the reason that he wanted "to enjoy the privileges of a sentence (d) prisoner and to be entitled to any form of executive clemency". ⁵ The withdrawal was granted in a Resolution dated March 27, 1969. ⁶ Thus, this review pertains to the appeal of the accused-appellant Domingo Pascual only.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

The evidence adduced at the trial show that in the morning of December 29, 1964, Odarlico Sotero requested the two accused, Domingo Pascual and Sergio Nicolas, to accompany him to Bo. Namagbagan to buy a goat, which he intended to slaughter on New Year's eve The two acceded to the request; and they actually proceeded to the said barrio. But instead of accomplishing their purpose, they ended up spending the day taking drinks in stores along their way.⁷chanrobles virtual law library

When they finally to go home in the afternoon, they met an Igorot selling medicinal herbs. Odarlico asked the Igorot if the latter had medicine for nervousness. The Igorot did not understand Odarlico so he, the Igorot, asked Odarlico what he meant. Odarlico got irritated. He held the Igorot by the collar and slapped his face. He then searched the pocket of the Igorot and got the latter's money. When the Igorot meekly asked Odarlico why he took his money, Odarlico denied having taken the same and started boxing the Igorot. Several persons arrived and tried to stop Odarlico but their efforts were in vain. An old man, finally, sent a boy to call for the barrio captain. ⁸chanrobles virtual law library

Meanwhile, Alfredo Sotero and the other barrio councilmen were about to hold a council meeting at the house of the barrio captain. When the boy arrived at the house and informed the councilmen of the incident between Odarlico and the Igorot, Alfredo and his co-councilmen repaired to the place. They saw the Igorot crying while Odarlico and his two companions, Domingo and Sergio, were sitting by the side of the road. Alfredo asked the Igorot why he was crying. The Igorot replied that Odarlico boxed him and took his money. Alfredo then confronted Odarlico but the latter denied having taken the money. The Igorot then informed Alfredo that the money was in the pocket of Odarlico When Alfredo was about to search the pocket of Odarlico the latter grudgingly drew the money from his pocket and threw it to Alfredo. Alfredo asked Odarlico if he was angry. Odarlico angrily replied "You son of . . ., you are minding things you do not even see and, instantaneously, slapped the face of Alfredo. This angered Alfredo and the two took a fighting stance. At this juncture, two sons of Alfredo, with bamboo poles in hand, came to the aid of their father. They were however, pacified by the people around them. "redo then told the companions of Odarlico Domingo and Sergio, to go home. ⁹chanrobles virtual law library

The following morning news spread that Odarlico Sotero was dead. his body was found lying on the ground, face down, lifeless in an isolated spot not far from the house of Alfredo Sotero. ¹⁰ At about 10:00 o'clock that Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Benjamin K. Calderon by Sanitary Inspector Tomas Molina and Patrolman Francisco Mariano and Andres Naval, repaired to Bo. Pitombayog where they found the dead body of Odarlico ¹¹ Dr. Calderon examined the body and made an autopsy report, ¹² to wit:

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FINDINGS: chanrobles virtual law library

1. Old Scar Dorsal surface of the hand, left.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

2. Puncture Wound, skin deep, middle finger, left hand.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

3. Violet colored patches of the neck, breast, abdomen and lateral surface of arm and forearm.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

4. Lacerated wound, elbow joint, volar surface, skin deep and about 1/2 inch in length, left.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

5. wound, back of ear skin deep, right. Lacerated chanrobles virtual law library

6. Lacerated wound, parietal region left side, about 1 1/2 inches in length and about 1 centimeter deep.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

7. Lacerated wound of the occipital region, left side about 1 1/2 inches in length with compound fractures of the occipital bone.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

8. Lacerated wound, of the occipital region below lesion no. 7, left side, about 1 1/2 inches in length with fracture of the occipital bone.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

9. Lacerated wound of the mastoid region about 3 inches in length with fracture of the mastoid bone, left side.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

10. Lineal scratch of the thigh medial side, left.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

DIAGNOSIS: chanrobles virtual law library

Shock, cerebral hemorrhage secondary, due to compound fractures of chanrobles virtual law library

the skull with brain involvement.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

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BENJAMIN K. CALDERON chanrobles virtual law library

Rural Health Physician chanrobles virtual law library

Mayantoc, Tarlac

According to Dr. Calderon's testimony, the approximate time of Odarlico's death was seventeen (17) hours prior to his examination. He attributed the death to injuries caused by a blunt instrument. ¹³ chanrobles virtual law library

Because Domingo and Sergio were the last persons seen with Odarlico the day previous, Patrolmen Mariano and Naval apprehended the two and brought them to the municipal building that very same morning. In the course of the investigation by the police authorities, the two accused executed sworn statements admitting the commission of the crime. The material and relevant portion of Sergio's statement follows ¹⁴

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Q After they finished drinking, where did you go again chanrobles virtual law library

A We went to the place of the house of old Policarpio Mariano also of Namagbagan chanrobles virtual law library

Q. When you were there, what else did you do? chanrobles virtual law library

A There was an Igorot man selling medicinal roots, Odarlico Sotero asked medicine for nervousness in tagalog but the Igorot did not understand, he boxed the Igorot and took Pl.00.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q When he boxed the Igorot, wait did you do also ? chanrobles virtual law library

A We pacified them sir, because Ofring Sotero, Barrio councilman arrived and the councilman returned his money and sent us home.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q When you went home, do you remember something unusual that happened? chanrobles virtual law library

A There was, sir, because that was the time when Odarlico Sotero told us to go and burn the rice stacks (mandala) of old Asiong Labonete No, they are good people, we said sir, but he told us if we ill not follow he will kill us.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q Did you follow the purpose of 0darlico Sotero chanrobles virtual law library

A Yes sir, because when we attempted to run, because we did not like what he told us about burning the rice stacks he prevented us - and that was the time we agreed to kill him.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q When you have agreed to kill Odarlico Sotero how did you do chanrobles virtual law library

A Domingo Pascual took a piece of bamboo (bayog) used in fencing the place for seedling and when we reached the barbwire fence of old Ofring Sotero Odarlico Sotero raised one of his legs to go over the fence, Domingo Pascual beat his head two times, he fell down but still breathing, then Domingo Pascual told me you also, I took the piece of bamboo from him and beat the head of Odarlico Sotero two times.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q What time was it when you killed Odarlico Sotero? chanrobles virtual law library

A Around 7:00 o'clock night time sir.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q When you and your companion have finished beating 0darlico Sotero where did you and your companion go? chanrobles virtual law library

A We went home to our house sir.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q Where did you put the piece of bamboo (bayog) you used in chanrobles virtual law library

A Domingo Pascual threw with the side of Bayating river.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q Do you have any other companion when you planned to kill Odarlico Sotero? chanrobles virtual law library

A None sir, we are only two.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q Do you admit your guilt in killing Odarlico Sotero? chanrobles virtual law library

A Yes, sir.

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The pertinent portion of appellant Domingo's testimony follows: ¹⁵

A Odarlico Sotero boxed again an Igorot man selling medicinal roots when the Igorot could not understand him and when the Igorot could not tell the sickness of Odarlico Sotero.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q After Odarlico Sotero boxed the Igorot, what else did he do? chanrobles virtual law library

A Odarlico Sotero took the money of the Igorot by force but councilman Ofring Sotero took back the money from Odarlico Sotero and returned it to the Igorot.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q When the money of the Igorot was returned, where did you go again 9 chanrobles virtual law library

A We were going home then sir but when we were on the way Odarlico Sotero stopped when we stopped, that was the time when he told us to go and burn piles of a palay (mandala) belonging to Asiong Labonete in order that his house will also be burned.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q When Odarlico told you to go and burn the piles of palay, what did you answer him? chanrobles virtual law library

A Brother, I said, I am afraid they are good people, I am ashamed to them.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q What did he tell you when you answered him you did not like chanrobles virtual law library

A If you do not like, I am going to kill you.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q When he told you that he will kill you, if you will not obey him, what did you do? chanrobles virtual law library

A We agreed to run away but when he sensed our intention of running, he held us and prevented us, this time, we made an agreement because we did not like his desire of burning. When we followed him I took a bamboo (bayog).chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q When you were on the way going to burn the piles of palay, what did you do? chanrobles virtual law library

A Because we can not accomplish his desire of burning piles of palay, we thought of killing him ahead so that when he lifted his first foot to go over ` the barbwire fence, and because I was following him, I beat him on the back of his head. On the first attack, I was able to disable Odarlico Sotero.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q How man ' v times did you beat him? chanrobles virtual law library

A Two times, sir, fell down lying on his belly but still moving.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q Do you have companion in beating 0darlico Sotero chanrobles virtual law library

A There was. sir, Sergio Nicolas, our companion.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q Did you and Sergio Nicolas intended to kill Odarlico Sotero? chanrobles virtual law library

A Yes, sir. .chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q Do you mean to imply that you and Sergio Nicolas killed Odarlico Sotero' chanrobles virtual law library

A Yes, sir.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q After you have finished beating Odarlico Sotero, how did Sergio Nicolas beat him also! chanrobles virtual law library

A Because he was still moving, Sergio Nicolas took a piece of bamboo (bayog) and beat the head of Odarlico Sotero for two times.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q After you and Sergio Nicolas finished beating Odarlico Sotero, what else did you do? chanrobles virtual law library

A We left him sir because we went home to our respective houses.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q Do you admit your guilt in killing Odarlico Sotero? chanrobles virtual law library

A I admit. sir.

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The prosecution tried to prove that the statements were executed voluntarily; the two accused vehemently denied the same and testified that their statements were extracted thru protracted investigation, intimidation and maltreatment.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

On the basis of the affidavits signed by the two accused containing their alleged extrajudicial confessions according to which the two accused killed the victim by striking Odarlico's head with a bamboo pole when he threatened to kill them because they refused to burn the mandala of Asiong Labonete the trial court convicted both accused and sentenced them to fife imprisonment as adverted to above.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

In the brief filed on June 6, 1969 by appellant's counsel de oficio ¹⁶I the acquittal of the appellant is sought on the following grounds: (1) that the extrajudicial confession is not admissible in evidence for being involuntary; and (2) that, even if the same were admissible, it is not sufficient to establish appellant's guilt beyond reasonable doubt. To this submission, the Solicitor General, ¹⁷ representing the People concurs and concludes "that the guilt of the appellant of the crime of murder of which he has been charged had not been proven beyond reasonable doubt.¹⁸The People's counsel argues that - (1) there is no direct evidence whatsoever linking the appellant to the death of Odarlico Sotero outside of his own admission; (2) that there exists no evidence with respect to the ill motive of both appellant and Sergio Nicolas against the deceased; (3) that it would appear on the other hand that there are other persons who might have the motive to kill Odarlico and, finally (4) that in the case at bar, there is no clear cut showing that appellant is guilty of the charge for which he has been convicted, considering the following:

(1) It is undisputed that there was no previous Misunderstanding between the accused and the deceased. In fact the three were together during the whole day upon invitation of the deceased to buy a goat.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

(2) It is hard to believe that simply because the two accused demurred to the suggestion of the deceased to burn the piles of palay of one Asiong Labonete would be enough to arouse the feeling of the deceased to the extent of threatening them with death.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

(3) And there is no reason why the accused (Domingo Pascual and Sergio Nicolas) would be afraid of the supposed threat of the deceased Odarlico Sotero when there is no indication that the latter was armed for certainly he was of no match to the two accused.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

(4) The accused could have easily avoided the alleged threat of the deceased by the simple expedience of waiting for the deceased to go over the barbwire fence and running away on the opposite direction.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

(5) According to the affidavit of accused Sergio Nicolas, they followed the order of Ordarlico Sotero but in the affidavit of appellant, they did not follow the suggestion of Odarlico chanrobles virtual law library

(6) The finding of the bamboo pole in the place allegedly indicated by the accused is not significant, as erroneously found by the trial Court, for the same could be secured by anyon e who is interested in pinning authorship of the crime to the accused.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

(7) Alfredo Sotero or anyone did not in anyway whatsoever refute the testimony of the appellant and Sergio that there was an altercation between the deceased and Alfredo Sotero, and that the latter and his two sons were the last persons with the deceased before he was killed. ¹⁹chanrobles virtual law library

A careful consideration of the trial court's rationale for its finding of guilt of the herein accused, viz a viz, the submissions of the counsel de oficio and the Solicitor General, who recommends appellant's acquittal, the questions raised in this appeal may be synthesized for logical treatment as follow: chanrobles virtual law library

1. Was the extrajudicial statement of the accused, which, along with the proof of corpus delicti, is the sole basis for his conviction, executed voluntarily as the trial court held; or not, as the appellant thru counsel de oficio and the appellee, thru the Solicitor General, claim? chanrobles virtual law library

2. Assuming that the said extrajudicial statement was executed voluntarily, is the same, coupled with the proof of corpus delicti, sufficient to establish appellant's guilt beyond reasonable doubt? and, chanrobles virtual law library

3. What is the significance of the existence of probable motives on the part of other persons i.e the Igorot and Alfredo Sotero, barrio councilman to kill Odarlico on the guilt of innocence of the accused appellant? chanrobles virtual law library

Now to resolve the foregoing questions- chanrobles virtual law library

1. On whether the accused-appellant's extrajudicial confession is voluntary or not. The trial court concluded that the same was executed voluntarily because - (1) the affidavits contain details which could not have been supplied or invented by the police and which could have been given only by the accused themselves; (2) the same were taken by the Chief of Police of Mayantoc and subscribed and sworn to before the Municipal Judge, both public officials in whose favor the presumption of regularity in the performance of their official duties may be indulged; (3) when the written statements of the two were taken in the Office of the Chief of Police at the ground floor of the municipal building of Mayantoc, the windows were open and there were several persons inside and outside the same (4) if the two were maltreated by the policeman in the manner and during the length of time alleged by them they must have suffered serious injuries and must have been totally disabled, which were not the case when they were brought before the municipal judge to subscribe and swear to their affidavits; (5) the maltreatment was denied by Patrolman Naygan and Cpl. Maximo Jara of the Force of Mayantoc; and family (6) the finding of the police of the bamboo pole, Exhibit "D", mentioned in the affidavits of both accused as having been used to kill the victim at the precise place one of them, clearly shows that the statements were made by them and were not invented by the police.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Appellant, thru counsel de oficio, in his Brief, on the other hand, argues- that the two-page statement consisting of 25 short questions and answers took three hours to complete, suggesting that there has been unrecorded questions and answers and harassment of the appellant in the hands of his investigators; (2) that the detail mentioned in the confession, namely, the bamboo pole allegedly used to kill the victim, is not of sufficient importance to render as corroborated an otherwise uncorroborated confession, for bamboo Poles are very common in rural areas; (3) that the only other detail in the confession which could have come from the appellant is the existence of rice stalks belonging to Asiong Labonete, but no independent evidence was introduced to establish the existence of such rice stalks (4) the two confessions contradict each other, because while the appellant stated that they did not burn the rice stalks (Exh. "B", Answer No. 15), Sergio Nicolas said that they burned the same (Exh. "A", Answer No. 13); (5) that the trial court found that the appellant accompanied Patrolman Victor Lardizabal to retrieve the bamboo pole allegedly used to kill the victim, but this finding of fact is belied completely by the prosecution's own evidence since Lardizabal testified that it was Sergio Nicolas whom he accompanied to the river bank to retrieve the bamboo Pole; and (6) that the trial court erred in giving weight to the testimonies of prosecution witnesses. ²⁰ chanrobles virtual law library

The Solicitor General in turn observes that the trial court capitalized on the supposed extrajudicial confession, which was vehemently denounced by the appellant and his co-accused as procured through force, violence and intimidation; (2) that accused's denial was timely since they did not have the opportunity to denounce their torturers while confined in the municipal jail; and, (3) that it was only after appellant was transferred to the Provincial jail, after three weeks ²¹ of confinement in the municipal jail, that he had the opportunity to confide the matter to his brothers and sisters who then advised him to disclose the truth of his maltreatment. ²² chanrobles virtual law library

Since the conviction of the herein accused, is premised solely on his extrajudicial confession coupled with proof of corpus delicti, the voluntary character of said confession must be established by evidence beyond cavil of doubt. For if the voluntariness of the confession were in any manner to be subject to doubt, the confession cannot support the conviction in this case.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

The rule is well settled that "the trial court's findings win be sustained unless there appears in the record some fact or circumstance of weight and influence which has been overlooked or the significance of which has been misinterpreted". ²³In the case of People v. Villaroya, We held that the trial court's findings must not be disturbed unless (a) the record shows that some facts or circumstances of weight or influence have been overlooked, or (b) the significance of which has been misinterpreted, or (c) some conclusion established from the facts is inconsistent with these findings, or (d) there is some inherent weakness in the evidence upon which the conclusion is based. ²⁴chanrobles virtual law library

The records reveal, however, that there are facts and circumstances which the trial court overlooked or the significance of which it failed to appreciate, which place in doubt its reliance on the sworn statement as voluntary and as sole basis for its finding of guilt beyond reasonable doubt of a very serious offense-murder.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

a. The trial court concluded that the extrajudicial statement of the appellant was voluntarily executed for the reason, among others, that the statement contained details which could not have been supplied or invented by the police and which could have been given by the accused only. ²⁵ However, a thorough scrutiny of appellant's statement would show that the details concerning the place where and the time when the crime was committed, the manner of its commission, and the incidents attendant thereto, have been known, or could have easily been known, to the policemen who conducted the investigation. For it is a matter of record that the police authorities were well aware, before the statements were taken, where the body of the deceased was found, the manner of his death, and the approximate time when he was killed, because an investigation was conducted by them at the scene where the body of the victim was found, and the autopsy was performed in their presence. ²⁶ chanrobles virtual law library

b. The trial court failed to note and/or did not attach significance to the fact that the two accused made diametrically conflicting assertions with respect to whether the hay stack of Labonete was indeed burned by them. Accused-appellant in his statement said that they did not burn the mandala; whereas, SergioNicolas, who withdrew his appeal. maintained that they did. ²⁷chanrobles virtual law library

c. Again the lower court failed to note that the statements in the affidavits of the two accused, with respect to the manner in which they hit Odarlico with the bamboo pole, are inconsistent with the findings of the Medical Officer as to the wounds and bruises sustained by him. While the affidavits state that each of the accused beat Odarlico two times at the head, ²⁸Dr. Calderon, in his Necropsy Report and in his testimony, states that the deceased suffered wounds and bruises in other parts of his body. ²⁹ chanrobles virtual law library

d. Finally, the trial court found-

Because Sergio Nicolas mentioned in his affidavit that the bamboo pole used in killing Odarlico was thrown by Domingo Pascual at the side of a river, Chief of Police Cruz ordered policemen Victor Lardizabal to accompany Domingo Pascual in going to Sitio Cabaruan in order to retrieve the said bamboo pole. That was on the morning of December 31, 1964. The duo rode in a pick-up vehicle and upon reaching Sitio Cabaruan, they proceeded to a place beside a river where, according to Pascual, he threw the bamboo pole. After searching the place, Lardizabal found that object, picked it up and then asked this the bamboo and Pascual answered: Yes, sir . . . ³⁰chanrobles virtual law library

This material corroborative detail must have induced the trial court's finding of appellant's guilt beyond reasonable doubt, since it would appear that appellant's extrajudicial confession was indeed corroborated by a very significant fact, namely, the finding of the bamboo pole, allegedly utilized in killing the victim, at the precise place allegedly pointed to by accused-appellant himself

The truth of the matter, however, is that it was not appellant Domingo Pascual who was accompanied by Patrolman Lardizabal to the place where the bamboo pole was found, nor. was Pascual the one who retrieved the bamboo pole. By testimony of Patrolman Lardizabal himself, it was Sergio Nicolas whom he accompanied to the place to retrieve the bamboo pole, thus -

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Q Upon reaching that place beside the river, what did you do? chanrobles virtual law library

A We searched for the piece of bamboo, sir, which he used in hitting the victim.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q when you said "we" are you referring to the accused Sergio Nicolas chanrobles virtual law library

A Yes, sir.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q Were you able to find the bamboo? chanrobles virtual law library

A Yes, sir.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

Q How did you happen to find the bamboo pole? chanrobles virtual law library

A We were able to locate the bamboo because he told me where he threw the bamboo. ³¹

The foregoing facts and circumstances i.e., (1) that the details were or could easily have been known to the police investigators; (2) the contradicting testimonies over a very significant matter, whether the mandala was burned or not; and (3) the presence of wounds and bruises in other parts of Odalrico's body which were overlooked, or the significance of which the trial court failed to appreciate, place in serious doubt its finding that the statement is voluntary. And the trial court's mistake in its finding that it was appellant who was accompanied by Pat. Lardizabal to the place where the bamboo pole was thrown, belies an important corroborative detail, thus leaving the statement as the only basis, with proof of corpus delicti of course, for appellant's conviction for a very serious offense involving a sentence of life imprisonment.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

2. Now on the sufficiency of the extrajudicial statement. On this question, the Solicitor General maintains that the extrajudicial confession on its face does not inspire belief, He contends that there was no previous misunderstanding between the accused and the deceased; in fact, the three were together the whole day upon the invitation of Odarlico to buy a goat; (2) that it is hard to believe that simply because the accused demurred to Odalrico's suggestion to bum Labonete's mandala, the same will be enough to arouse the feeling of Odarlico to the extent of threatening them with death; (3) that there is no reason why appellant and Sergio Nicolas would be afraid of Odarlico who was unarmed and was no match to the two; and (4) that the accused could have easily avoided the alleged threat of the deceased by running away. ³²chanrobles virtual law library

These observations are well-taken. The confession to serve as a basis for conviction must inspire credibility. It must not be improbable or excite disbelief. It must be one which the normal experience of mankind can accept as within the realm of probability. The statement which ascribes to two youthful rural folk, a serious criminal design to kill someone against whom they entertain no ill will over a flimsy cause-refusal to bum a mandala, when they could have easily escaped or ran away simply flies in the face of truth.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

3. On the existence of probable motives on the part of other persons to kill Odarlico The statements of both accused adverted to the quarrel between Odarlico and the Igorot and immediately thereafter between Alfredo and Odarlico the accused both testified in great detail about these incidents ³³ leading Us to believe, as contended by the Solicitor General, that these persons could have probable motives to kill Odarlico On the other hand, it is admitted that the accused were investigated solely on account of their having been seen with Odarlico on the afternoon of the day he was killed. The records do not show that any investigation was conducted to verify whether other persons could have been responsible for the death of Odarlico for example, the Igorot and Alfredo. And Alfredo did not rebut the testimonies of the two accused as to the incident which involved his allegedly being slapped by Odarlico and that his two sons had to come to his aid with bamboo poles.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

These circumstances show how superficial indeed were the efforts on the part of the police force to ferret out the true culprit; how, as is the wont of police investigators, the death of Odarlico was investigated in perfunctory and cavalier fashion, and, as claimed by the accused, without regard to their rights act of self -incrimination That these could regrettably be the case is home by Our experience in many instances. ³⁴Recent examples are the celebrated cases of the Imperious father and son, who were investigated, then tortured and made to confess their guilt by members of the police force simply because they were "the last persons seen with the victim;" ³⁵ and that of Isidro buscato Nestor Dalud and Jabib Tan who were investigated, then tortured and also made to confess their guilt because they"... Rodolfo Lim because they were reportedly deceased with the previous night. . ." ³⁶chanrobles virtual law library

The presence of other person who could have probable motive to kill Odarlico but who were not investigated raise serious doubts on the findings of the police investigators that appellant was one of the perpetrators of the killing. This is especially so where there is no shred of evidence offered by the prosecution to support appellant's guilt, except his bare statement, the due and voluntary execution of which he vehemently denied.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

In resume, (1) the uncertainty as to the voluntariness of the confession; (2) the improbability of the version as contained in the extrajudicial confession; (3) the failure of the police authorities to conduct a thorough and careful investigation of the circumstances leading to the death of Odarlico and the existence of motive on the part of others to kill Odarlico and, finally, (4) the erroneous finding of the trial court that appellant was the one who showed and retrieved the bamboo pole-are the facts and circumstances of weight and influence which all together cast serious doubt on the guilt of herein accused-appellant of the crime charged. He is, therefore, entitled to acquittal.chanroblesvirtualawlibrarychanrobles virtual law library

WHEREFORE, the judgment of conviction is hereby REVERSED and the appellant, DOMINGO PASCUAL, is ACQUITTED of the Charge, with cost tie oficio.

1 Decision dated March 13,1967, p. 2-0; Rollo, p. 116.chanrobles virtual law library

2 Record, p. 189.chanrobles virtual law library

3 Letter of transmittal dated April 7, 1967; Rollo, p.chanrobles virtual law library

4 Letter of transmittal dated April 2, 1967;

5 Rollo; p. 49.chanrobles virtual law library

6 Id., p, 60.chanrobles virtual law library

7 T.S.N., Lucero Vda. de Sotero 22, 1966, pp. 155-163; Pascual, hearings of September 21, 1966 and October 6, 1966, pp. 238-249; 'Nicolas, hearing of November 7,1966, pp. 359-364., hearing of August 26, 1 6, p. 1.98; Pascual, hearing of September 21, 1966, pp. 224-233, Nicolas, hearing of November 7,1966, pp, 349-354.chanrobles virtual law library

8 T.S.N., Pascual, hearing of September 21, 1966, pp. 236-238; Nicolas, hearing of November 7,1966, pp. 356-359.chanrobles virtual law library

9 T.S.N., Sotero, hearing of July 22, 1966

10 T.S.N., Pascual, hearing of October 6, 1966, pp. 251-253; Nicolas, hearing of November 8,1966, pp. 368-370.chanrobles virtual law library

11 T.S.N., Calderon, hearing of February 14, 1966, pp- 48-50; Mariano, hearing of June 28, 1966, p. 113,

12 Exhibit "C", Record, p. 3.chanrobles virtual law library

13 T.S.N Calderon, hearing of Feb. 14, 1966, pp. 57-60

14 Exhibit "A-1", official translation of exhibit "A" affidavit of Sergio Nicolas. Record, p. 90

15 Exhibit "B-1", official translation of Exhibit "B", affidavit of Domingo Pascual, Record, pp. 6-A - 6-B.chanrobles virtual law library

16 Atty. Cipriano Azada was appointed counsel de oficio for appellant in a resolution of this court dated March 27, 1969, Rollo, p. 60

17 Supreme Court Associate Justice Felix V. Makasiar was then the Solicitor General. He was assisted by First Assistant Solicitor General Esmeraldo Umali and Solicitor Oscar C. Fernandez.chanrobles virtual law library

18 Apellee's Brief, p. 13; Record, p. 182.chanrobles virtual law library

19 Id., pp. 8-13

20 Appellant's Brief, pp. 10-18, Record pp. 130-138.chanrobles virtual law library

21 Appellant was actually confined, in the municipal jail for three months, not "three weeks". (T.S.N., Vol. 11, p. 337; Letter of Commitment, Record, p. 19).chanrobles virtual law library

22 Appellee's Brief. pp. 10-11, Rollo, p. 182.chanrobles virtual law library

23 Salonga, Philippine Law On Evidence, 3d ed. 1964, pp. 781-782, citing Lao v. Director of Lands, 43 O.G. 504 (1947); People v. Masin, 64 Phil. 75-i (293-i); People v. Cabrera, 43 Phil. 64 (1922); Salmon Dexter &, Co. % Wijangco 46 Phil. 386 (19?,4); People v. Balines G.R. No. L9045, Sept. 28, 1956; People v. Lardizabal, G.R. No. L-8944, May 11, 1956: See also People vs, Carandang, et al., G.R. No. L-31012, August 15, 1973, 52 SCRA 2D9

24 G. R. nos. L-5781-82, August 30,195', 101 Phil. 1061, at p. 1068. R 1

25 Decision, p. 21, Rollo p. 112,

26 T. S N., Calderon, hearing of Feb. 14, 1966, pp. 48-49; Mariano, hearing of June 28,1966, p. 116

27 Answer No. 15, Affidavit of Domingo Pascual, Exhibit "B-1", Record, 1). B Answer No, 13, Affidavit of Sergio Nicolas, Exhibit A . Record, 1). 90.chanrobles virtual law library

28 Answer No. 16, Affidavit of Domingo Pascual, Exhibit "B-1", Record, p. 6-B; Nicolas, Exhibit "A-I", Record, p. 90.chanrobles virtual law library

29 Necrops Report, Exh. "C", Record, p. 3; T.S.N., Calderon, hearing of Feb. 14, 1966, pp. 53-56. :111

30 Decision, p. 7; Rollo, p. 98.chanrobles virtual law library

31 T.S.N., Lardizabal, hearing of June 28,1966, p. 138.chanrobles virtual law library

32 Appellee's Brief, p. 12, Rollo, p. 182.chanrobles virtual law library

33 T.S.N., Pascual, hearings of September 21, 1966 and October 6, 1966, pp. 236-249; Nicolas, hearing of November 7,1966, pp. 356- 364. ;

34 See: U.S. v. Baluyut, G.R. No. 879, November 3, 1902, 24 Phil. '32');U.S. v.-.Mercado, G.R. No. 2448, July 25,1906,6 Phil. People 33 Tipay G.R. No. 49014, March 1, 1944, 74 Phil. 615; People v. Chaw Yaw Shun G.R. No. L-19590, April 25, 1968, 23 SCRA 127; People v. Basala G.R. No. L-26182, May 31, 1971, 39 SCRA 236; People v. Francisco. G.R. No. L-40352, November 29,1976, 74 SCRA 158.chanrobles virtual law library

35 People v. Imperio G.R. No. L-26194, March 29, 1972, 44 SCRA -i 5 at 78. "l'

36 People v. Busato et al., G.R. No. L-40639, November 23, 1976, 74 SCRA 31),