G.R. Nos. L-38101-02 June 29, 1981
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. ISABELO ANGGOT alias “BILLY KID”, defendant-appellant.

FACTS

The case arose from a violent ambush on August 23, 1971, in Sapad, Lanao del Norte, during a period of intense conflict between Christians and Muslims. Atlantic Bus No. 10, carrying Christian evacuees, was stopped by five armed men. The male passengers were ordered to stand and raise their shirts. After confirming they had no firearms, the leader ordered “Fire,” and the group indiscriminately shot at the bus. The assailants then set the bus ablaze. The attack resulted in the deaths of eight passengers and caused serious injuries to several others, including children. Prosecution witnesses positively identified appellant Isabelo Anggot as one of the armed perpetrators at the scene.
The appellant admitted his presence at the location but claimed he was a coerced participant. He testified that he was forcibly taken from his home by armed men, including known individuals Andam Langi and Penorac Macabebe, and brought to the site. He asserted he was unarmed, did not participate in the shooting, and was merely a bystander under guard. He later escaped from his escorts and fled the area out of fear, which he claimed prevented him from reporting the incident to authorities.

ISSUE

The core issue is whether the appellant’s guilt for the complex crime of multiple murder, attended by the qualifying circumstance of treachery, was proven beyond reasonable doubt.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction but modified the penalty. The Court found the appellant’s defense of coercion unconvincing and inherently improbable. His detailed narrative of being abducted yet allowed an easy escape by simply asking to change clothes was deemed contrary to human experience, especially given the gravity of the crime committed by his alleged captors. The positive identification by multiple prosecution witnesses, who knew him prior to the incident, carried greater weight. The Court found no ill motive for these witnesses to falsely accuse him. The attack, where unarmed and helpless passengers inside a stationary bus were summarily executed and the bus was burned, clearly constituted treachery (alevosia). The manner of assault ensured the victims had no opportunity to defend themselves. However, for lack of the necessary votes, the death penalty was reduced to reclusion perpetua. The Court ordered the appellant to indemnify the heirs of each victim and pay proportionate costs.