G.R. No. 1573 : April 12, 1904
THE UNITED STATES, complainant-appellee, vs. TOMAS DE GUZMAN, defendant-appellant.

FACTS:
The defendant, Tomas de Guzman, was charged with the crime of bandolerismo. He was tried and convicted by the Court of First Instance of Bataan and sentenced to thirty years imprisonment. The prosecution presented multiple witnesses who testified that De Guzman was the commandant of an armed band, which included members such as Eulalio Bundoc, Miguel Labrador, and Candido Dilma. The witnesses established that this band, always armed with deadly weapons, was opposed to the Government, built defensive trenches, and sustained itself by robbing carabaos and other personal property, compelling people to provide food and supplies through force and intimidation. Specific acts testified to included the theft of a banca (boat) and participation in a fight against Constabulary forces. Furthermore, the prosecution introduced a captured document listing members of a band under General San Miguel, which included De Guzman’s name. Attached certificates signed by one Saturnino Pascual authorized De Guzman to organize troops and appointed him as a captain paymaster in the so-called “Republican Army of the Philippines.” The defendant presented no evidence in his defense.

ISSUE:
Whether the defendant, Tomas de Guzman, is guilty of the crime of bandolerismo as defined under Act No. 518 .

RULING:
Yes. The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the lower court, finding Tomas de Guzman guilty of bandolerismo. The Court concluded from the evidence that: (1) De Guzman was a member of an armed band composed of more than three persons; (2) the band was armed with deadly weapons and roamed the highways and countryside for the purpose of robbery; and (3) the band committed various acts of robbery through threats and violence. These facts squarely constitute the crime of bandolerismo under Act No. 518 . The sentence of thirty years imprisonment was therefore confirmed.