CASE DIGEST: People v. Lol-lo, 43 Phil.

19
Title: People v. Lol-lo, 43 Phil. 19
Subject Matter: Applications of the provisions of Art. 2 of the Revised Penal
Code

Facts:
On June 30, 1920, sixer vintas intercepted two Dutch boats which were on its way in the midst of the
islands of Buang and Bukid in the Dutch East Indies. The six vintas were manned by 24 armed
Moros. The said Dutch boats were carrying men, women and children. At first, the Moros asked for
food. But when they got on the Dutch boats, they asked for themselves all the vessel’s cargo,
attacked nearly all of the men and brutally violated two of the women by methods too tremendous to
be described. All of the persons on the Dutch boat, except the two young women, were again placed
on it and holes were made in it, the idea that it would submerge. The Moros finally arrived at
Maruro, a Dutch possession. Two of the Moro marauders were Lol-lo, who also raped one of the
women, and Saraw. At Maruro, the two women were able to escape.

Lol-lo and Saraw later returned to their home in South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu. They were arrested
there and were charged in the Court of First Instance of Sulu with the crime of piracy.

Issue:
Whether or not Philippine courts have jurisdiction over the crime of piracy alleged in this case.

Held:

Yes, the Philippine courts have jurisdiction on the case. Piracy is a villainy not against any particular
state but against all mankind. It should be tried and punished in the sufficient tribunal of any country
where the offender may be found or into which he may be carried. The jurisdiction of piracy, unlike
all other crimes, has no territorial limits.