FACTS
Catalino Garcia was accused of aiding and abetting a band of brigands by supplying them with money, food, and lodging. Specifically, the indictment alleged that in February 1905, and previously, Garcia furnished money, rice, eggs, and other food to a band led by Julian Montalban, Aniceto Oruga, and Benito Natividad, and lodged Carlos Oruga in his house.

Witnesses Leoncio Opo and Raymundo Marasigan testified that in mid-February 1905, Garcia arrived at the brigands’ location with rice, cigarettes, matches, and money, which he delivered to Montalban. Opo stated he heard the jingle of money being handed over, while Marasigan claimed the amount was around 8 pesos in whole pesos, half pesos, and pesetas.

However, defense witnesses and Lieutenant Babiera testified that in October 1905, they visited Garcia at his home while he was ill. The son of the accused identified Opo and Marasigan as the men accompanying Lieutenant Babiera. This testimony, placing Opo and Marasigan at Garcia’s house in October 1905, was deemed plausible and credible by the court, as it was given before their testimony in the justice of the peace court.

Regarding allegations prior to February 1905, the court found only isolated declarations from single witnesses. These declarations pertained to supplying materials at various locations in August or September 1904, and the lodging of Carlos Oruga and other brigands. The court found these individual declarations lacked coherence and consistency, especially considering the accusers were former brigands and the accused was a secret agent of the Constabulary. The court noted substantial contradictions in the witnesses’ testimonies regarding the possibility and certainty of the alleged acts.

ISSUE
Whether or not the evidence presented sufficiently proves that Catalino Garcia aided and abetted brigands by providing them with money, food, and lodging, to warrant a conviction.

RULING
The Supreme Court ruled that the evidence was insufficient to support a conviction. While two witnesses testified to Garcia providing money and food in February 1905, the court found other evidence casting doubt on their credibility. Specifically, the court noted that these witnesses were themselves members of the brigand band, and their testimonies contained contradictions. The court also found the other allegations concerning prior provision of supplies and lodging to be based on weak, uncorroborated, and contradictory evidence from single witnesses. Therefore, the Supreme Court reversed the judgment of the lower court and acquitted Catalino Garcia.