G.R. No. L-2584; March 25, 1950
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. TEODORO BARRAMEDA, defendant-appellant.

FACTS

The appellant, Teodoro Barrameda, a Filipino citizen (as evidenced by his personal record, marriage certificate, and prior service as a policeman and Constabulary soldier), was charged with treason. During the Japanese occupation, he was a member of the Ganap and Makapili and served with the Japanese Military Police (Kempetai). The prosecution presented evidence on four counts: (1) his adherence to the enemy; (3) the apprehension and delivery of four hidden American soldiers to Japanese forces, leading to their presumed execution; (6) the burning of a house with a woman inside and the bayoneting to death of two blind men, Pedro Mendoza and Margarito Umali; and (7) participation in the mass burning of a barrio and the killing of inhabitants, including the bayoneting of Edilberto Cornejo and the scalping of guerrilla Santiago Mendoza. The defense attempted to establish an alibi, claiming Barrameda was hospitalized due to a gunshot wound during the relevant period, but the trial court found the defense witnesses unreliable due to contradictions and their status as co-accused.

ISSUE

Whether the appellant is guilty of treason and, if so, what is the appropriate penalty.

RULING

Yes, the appellant is guilty of treason. The Court affirmed the conviction but modified the penalty. The evidence conclusively established his Filipino citizenship and overt acts of giving aid and comfort to the enemy, including direct participation in atrocities against Americans and his fellow Filipinos. The defense alibi was properly rejected. Given the heinous nature of the acts—involving the betrayal of countrymen and direct involvement in multiple killings—the Court, agreeing with the Solicitor General’s recommendation, imposed the death penalty. The decision of the Court of First Instance was affirmed with this modification.

AI Generated by Armztrong.