G.R. No. L-856; April 18, 1949
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. SUSANO PEREZ (alias KID PEREZ), defendant-appellant.

FACTS

The defendant-appellant, Susano Perez alias Kid Perez, was convicted of treason by the People’s Court and sentenced to death. The information contained seven counts, with evidence presented on counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. The facts established that during the Japanese occupation, Perez, acting in concert with others, recruited, apprehended, and commandeered numerous Filipino women and girls against their will. He delivered them to Japanese military officers, specifically Colonel Mini and Dr. Takibayas, to satisfy the officers’ carnal desires. The victims included Eriberta Ramo, Cleopatra Ramo, Eduarda Daohog, Eutiquia Lamay, Feliciana Bonalos, and Flaviana Bonalos. Perez used threats, force, and intimidation, and in some instances, he personally raped the victims before delivering them to the Japanese officers.

ISSUE

Whether the acts committed by the appellant constitute the crime of treason.

RULING

Yes. The Court affirmed the conviction for treason. The acts of procuring women and delivering them to the enemy, under the circumstances of the case, constituted giving aid and comfort to the enemy. The Court reasoned that by providing these “services” to the Japanese officers, the appellant helped boost their morale, provided them solace and entertainment, and thereby invigorated their spirit to continue waging war. This assistance was deemed direct and effective aid to the enemy’s military efforts. The gravity of betraying one’s countrymen, particularly by sacrificing the honor and safety of its women, was emphasized as a heinous form of treason. The penalty of death was affirmed.

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