GR L 6085; (June, 1954) (Digest)
G.R. No. L-6085-86; June 11, 1954
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. ANTONIO SAMANIEGO Y YOUNG alias SY LION G BOK alias TONY, defendant-appellant. THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. ONG ING alias CRESENCIO ONG, and ALFREDO TORRES Y SAGAYSAY, defendants, ALFREDO TORRES YSAGAYSAY, defendant-appellant.
FACTS
On April 28, 1950, the body of Ong Tin Hui was found gagged, blindfolded, and tied inside the Oxford Shoe Emporium in Manila. The cause of death was asphyxia and brain hemorrhage due to suffocation and multiple head injuries. Police investigation led to the arrests of Ong Ing, Alfredo Torres, and Antonio Samaniego. Ong Ing pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment. Separate cases were filed against Torres and Samaniego. The trial court convicted Alfredo Torres as a principal and Antonio Samaniego as an accomplice to the crime of robbery with homicide. Torres was sentenced to life imprisonment, and Samaniego to an indeterminate penalty. Both appealed their convictions. The prosecution evidence included the testimonies of co-accused Ong Ing, extrajudicial confessions from Torres and Samaniego, and the corroborating testimonies of watchmen who placed the appellants near the crime scene. Appellants denied participation, claiming their confessions were extracted through duress and presenting alibis.
ISSUE
The main issues for determination were: (1) whether appellants Alfredo Torres and Antonio Samaniego formed part of the group that perpetrated the robbery and homicide; and (2) if so, the nature of their participation therein.
RULING
The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the trial court. It held that the appellants’ guilt was proven beyond reasonable doubt. The Court found the extrajudicial confessions of Torres and Samaniego to be voluntary, detailed, and credible, noting that each attempted to minimize his own role. Their claims of torture were rejected. The testimonies of watchmen placed appellants near the crime scene. The Court also denied a motion for new trial based on newly discovered evidence (affidavits from prisoners claiming responsibility), finding such evidence insufficient and unreliable. Alfredo Torres was correctly convicted as a principal, and Antonio Samaniego as an accomplice, for his lesser role which included receiving payment to participate, suggesting the crime, and acting as a lookout.