G.R. No. L-1677; January 28, 1949
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. CIRILO HUMARANG, defendant-appellant.

FACTS

Cirilo Humarang was charged with treason on multiple counts. The prosecution presented evidence on two counts: (1) surrendering an American named George Eddleman to a Japanese officer, Captain Nakamuri, in Cavite; and (2) participating in the arrest of guerrillas and suspected guerrillas at the Biwas cockpit in Tanza, Cavite, in May 1944. During the cockpit incident, Humarang, along with Japanese soldiers and Filipino companions, identified individuals from a lineup, leading to the arrest of about 26 persons who were never seen again. The defense claimed Humarang was a guerrilla who had hidden Eddleman and was himself captured and tortured by the Japanese, forcing him to identify only two persons at the cockpit under duress. However, prosecution witnesses testified that Humarang was not restrained, moved freely, and carried a firearm during the incident.

ISSUE

Whether the evidence is sufficient to convict Cirilo Humarang of treason for giving aid and comfort to the enemy during the Japanese occupation.

RULING

Yes. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. While the evidence on the first count (surrender of Eddleman) was insufficient under the two-witness rule in treason cases, the evidence on the second count (cockpit arrests) was overwhelming. The Court found that Humarang, a Filipino, adhered to the enemy by actively aiding in the arrest of guerrillas and suspected guerrillas at the Biwas cockpit. The trial court’s sentence of reclusion perpetua, a P10,000 fine, and accessory penalties was upheld.

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