GR 28582; (March, 1970) (Digest)
G.R. No. L-28582 March 25, 1970
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. RODRIGO BALURAN Y YAON and ROSARIO MORANTE alias CHARING, defendants-appellants.
FACTS
On June 15, 1966, the body of Melchor Mariano, a tricycle driver, was found on the shoulder of MacArthur Highway in Barrio Dakila, Malolos, Bulacan. He had suffered fatal injuries, including a gaping head wound and neck trauma. An autopsy revealed he died from compound, depressed, and comminuted fractures to the skull and massive hematoma in the neck. Based on confidential information, appellants Rodrigo Baluran and Rosario Morante were investigated. Baluran confessed, detailing how they killed Mariano between midnight of June 13 and 1:00 AM on June 14, 1966, dumped his body, and took his Honda tricycle, watch, money, and personal documents. Morante also gave a written statement admitting her participation. The appellants were apprehended at a PC checkpoint in Bamban, Tarlac, while attempting to flee to Baguio to sell the tricycle. Bloodstains were found on the vehicle. A criminal complaint for robbery with homicide was filed. During the trial, both appellants admitted to the killing but each blamed the other. The trial court found they conspired to rob and kill Mariano.
ISSUE
Whether the appellants are guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of robbery with homicide.
RULING
Yes. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The evidence, including the appellants’ own admissions and the circumstances of the crime, established conspiracy. The appellants’ actions—luring the victim under false pretenses, the treacherous attack with a blunt instrument, dumping the body, taking the tricycle and personal belongings, and attempting to flee—collectively prove robbery with homicide beyond reasonable doubt. The crime is penalized under Article 294(1) of the Revised Penal Code with reclusion perpetua to death. With one aggravating circumstance (treachery) and no mitigating circumstances, the penalty was imposed in its maximum degree. The Court affirmed the death sentence and increased the indemnity to the heirs of the deceased from P6,000.00 to P12,000.00.