G.R. No. 207659. April 20, 2016.
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. FUNDADOR CAMPOSANO Y TIOLANTO, @ “Punday/Masta” AND HERMAN DE LOS REYES @ “YOB,” ACCUSED-APPELLANTS.
FACTS
Accused-appellants Fundador Camposano and Herman de los Reyes were charged with Murder for stabbing 16-year-old Esmeraldo Ilao to death on January 11, 2001, in Las Piñas City. The prosecution presented multiple eyewitnesses. Security Guard Fidel Barreno Flores testified he saw two persons chase and stab the victim, whom he later identified as Ilao and the assailants as appellants. Randy Gabion testified he saw Camposano hold Ilao by the neck and stab him while De los Reyes stabbed his lower back. Alfred Kempis testified that appellants, whom he knew, challenged Ilao to a fight, and he later saw De los Reyes hit Ilao’s head with lumber and Camposano stab him. Joey Crudo testified he saw De los Reyes stab Ilao on the chest. The autopsy report confirmed death by stab wounds. The defense presented denial and alibi. Camposano claimed he was a victim of a gang rumble and was hospitalized for a stab wound. De los Reyes claimed he was at a friend’s house drinking and later at home watching movies, corroborated by his friend and aunt. The Regional Trial Court found appellants guilty of Murder qualified by treachery and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua. The Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction but modified the damages. Appellants appealed to the Supreme Court.
ISSUE
Whether the Court of Appeals erred in affirming the conviction of appellants for the crime of Murder.
RULING
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal and affirmed the modified decision of the Court of Appeals. The Court held that the prosecution proved appellants’ guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The positive identification by multiple eyewitnesses, who were consistent on material points and had no ill motive to testify falsely, prevailed over the defenses of denial and alibi, which were weak and not physically impossible. The Court found the qualifying circumstance of treachery was present because the attack was sudden and deliberate, with appellants stabbing the victim while he was face down on the ground, giving him no chance to defend himself. The Court modified the awarded damages, increasing civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages to ₱75,000.00 each, all with 6% annual interest from finality until fully paid.