G.R. No. L-11177; October 30, 1958
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. CIRILO MONROY alias CIRILO SARTE and CELERINO SARTE, IDICA, alias MARCELINO, defendants-appellants.

FACTS

On the night of October 10, 1954, appellants Cirilo Monroy and Celerino Idica, along with Guillermo Lacuesta, went to a store in Nagbalawartian, Sinait, Ilocos Sur. They were later joined by Jose Sarte and the deceased Elpidio Agdeppa. After spending time talking and drinking, the group, including Agdeppa and Sarte, began walking home. Along the trail, Agdeppa suggested abducting a daughter of Maria Duran. The trio refused, prompting Agdeppa to say, “If you do not agree, beware,” before turning his back to proceed. About two minutes later, Celerino Idica secretly proposed to Monroy and Lacuesta that they injure Agdeppa; Monroy agreed, but Lacuesta refused. Idica then hurled a stone at Agdeppa, hitting his right cheek. While Agdeppa covered his face, Idica and Monroy continued pelting him with stones until he collapsed. Idica then snatched Agdeppa’s bolo and stabbed him several times, while Monroy kept hitting him with stones. They dragged the body to the river’s edge, with Lacuesta’s help, and Idica attempted to wash away blood stains. Jose Sarte fled during the assault. The necropsy report confirmed Agdeppa died from homicidal injuries. Both appellants gave sworn confessions before the Justice of the Peace on October 11, 1954, detailing their participation. The defense contested the voluntariness of these confessions, claiming fear of maltreatment, but the Justice of the Peace testified she apprised them of their rights and read the contents in Ilocano.

ISSUE

The main issues are: (1) the voluntariness of the appellants’ confessions; (2) the existence of conspiracy between the appellants; and (3) the presence of treachery and the absence of sufficient provocation.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the lower court. (1) The confessions of appellants Monroy and Idica were voluntary and credible, as confirmed by the testimony of the Justice of the Peace who warned them of their rights and translated the affidavits. Their substantial uniformity in detailing the crime supports their veracity. (2) Conspiracy was inferred from the appellants’ concerted assault on the victim, as their acts pointed to a joint purpose and design, making each liable for the entire consequences. The brief interval between the idea and the act does not negate conspiracy, which arises instantly upon agreement. Moreover, Monroy’s direct participation—striking the victim with stones and stabbing him—renders him guilty as a principal. (3) Treachery was present due to the sudden attack from behind that caught Agdeppa unaware, depriving him of any chance to defend himself. Agdeppa’s utterance, “if you do not agree, beware,” did not constitute sufficient provocation, as it was a vague threat not immediately acted upon. The penalty of reclusion perpetua was upheld, with Monroy to bear half the costs.