G.R. No. L-2080; April 29, 1950
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. POLICARPIO RUIZ, 2.º, MAXIMO AGNI, 2.º, ADRIANO VELASCO and FLORENTINO ROSARIO, defendants-appellants.

FACTS

The defendants, two civilians (Policarpio Ruiz, 2.º and Maximo Agni, 2.º) and two guerrillas (Adriano Velasco and Florentino Rosario), were charged with murder for the arrest and subsequent death of Maximo Agni, 1.º in February 1943. The defense claimed that the deceased was a Japanese spy who had pointed out guerrillas to Japanese soldiers, leading to their arrest and disappearance. They asserted that the guerrillas acted under orders from their lieutenant, Pioquinto, who investigated the deceased, found him guilty, and ordered his execution. The trial court convicted all four defendants of murder and rejected their plea for amnesty.

ISSUE

Whether the defendants are entitled to the benefits of the Amnesty Proclamation for acts committed during the war.

RULING

Yes. The Supreme Court reversed the trial court’s judgment. It found the defense credible that the deceased was executed by the guerrilla unit due to his activities as a Japanese spy, which constituted aiding the enemy. The Court held that the Amnesty Proclamation applies to all persons who committed crimes against those aiding the enemy’s war efforts, regardless of whether the perpetrators were from a recognized guerrilla unit or were civilians. Consequently, the defendants were declared entitled to amnesty. The information was dismissed, and the defendants were ordered set at liberty.

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