G.R. No. L-2000; January 31, 1950
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. FRANCISCO DEDUYO, defendant-appellant.

FACTS

The appellant, Francisco Deduyo, was convicted of treason by the People’s Court and sentenced to life imprisonment, a fine, and costs. The conviction was based on three counts from an amended information. The evidence showed that during the Japanese occupation, as a member of the military police in Sariaya, Tayabas (now Quezon), he participated in the arrest, investigation, and torture of suspected guerrillas (Count 1). He also participated in a mass arrest where he accused people of being guerrillas and where property was confiscated, and the arrestees were maltreated (Count 5). Furthermore, he apprehended an individual, delivered him to Japanese soldiers, participated in his maltreatment, and robbed his home before the victim disappeared (Count 14). The defense consisted of denials.

ISSUE

Whether the People’s Court correctly convicted the appellant of treason based on the evidence presented.

RULING

Yes, the conviction is affirmed. The Supreme Court found the testimony of the prosecution witnesses credible and without motive to falsely incriminate the appellant. The defense of denial was unavailing. The Court also rejected the plea for a mitigating circumstance based on the appellant’s alleged lack of culture and ignorance of the gravity of his acts, finding it inconsistent with his denials and the deliberate manner in which the treasonable acts were carried out. The decision of the People’s Court was in accordance with the facts and the law.

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