G.R. No. L-604 December 17, 1948
EL PUEBLO DE FILIPINAS vs. ANICETO ARIBAS

FACTS

The accused, Aniceto Aribas, was convicted of treason and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, a fine, and costs. The prosecution evidence established that on May 7, 1944, in Alang-alang, Leyte, Aribas guided a patrol of nine Japanese soldiers and six Filipinos to a house where guerrilla volunteer Pedro Quintana was on guard duty. Aribas and his companions arrested Quintana, tied him up, and severely maltreated him to extract information about guerrilla supporters. After the torture, Aribas forced Quintana to carry a sack of palay to the town. Quintana was later found dead, and his remains were identified by his mother in February 1945. Aribas denied active participation, claiming he merely joined the patrol for company and that other Filipinos carried the palay.

ISSUE

Whether the evidence presented by the prosecution is sufficient to prove the guilt of the accused for the crime of treason beyond reasonable doubt.

RULING

Yes. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. The positive and credible testimonies of prosecution witnesses (Barbara Ramos, Victoria Dajac, and Ignacio Serona) who witnessed the events directly contradict and outweigh the accused’s bare denial. The Court found it incredible that Aribas could have traveled with and utilized members of the Japanese patrol unless he was intimately identified with them as a spy or in a similar capacity. The proven acts of guiding the enemy patrol, participating in the arrest and torture of a guerrilla, and compelling the victim to carry palay constitute treason under Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code. The defense of mere denial cannot prevail over affirmative testimonies of truthful witnesses.

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