GR L 1502; (May, 1948) (Digest)
G.R. No. L-1502; May 24, 1948
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. AGRIPINO BAUTISTA, defendant-appellant.
FACTS
Agripino Bautista was convicted of treason by the People’s Court and sentenced to reclusion perpetua and a fine. The information charged two counts: (1) that on December 26, 1942, as an enemy agent, he caused the arrest of Aquilino Inocencio and Remedios Tello due to their alleged guerrilla activities, leading to their torture and the death of Inocencio; and (2) that from December 1944 to 1945, he was a member of the Makapili. The trial court found the membership in Makapili not proved by two witnesses but considered his admission as an act of adherence to the enemy.
ISSUE
Whether the evidence sufficiently proves beyond reasonable doubt that Agripino Bautista committed treason by denouncing the victims to the Japanese authorities for their guerrilla activities.
RULING
No. The Supreme Court reversed the conviction and acquitted Bautista. The evidence failed to conclusively prove that his complaint to the police was motivated by the victims’ guerrilla activities. The circumstances indicated it was more probable he reported the shooting of his brother, which occurred near the victim’s house, leading to their arrest by Filipino detectives, not Japanese forces. There was no direct proof he knew the victims were guerrillas, and his lack of participation in their torture further weakened the prosecution’s case. When evidence gives rise to two probabilities—one consistent with innocence and another with guilt—the one favorable to the accused must prevail. The Court did not rule on the sufficiency of the Makapili admission, as it was unnecessary given the disposition on the first count.
AI Generated by Armztrong.