Jefferson G.

Balbon

CLJ-301

Title: People of the Philippines vs Oanis

Facts:

As a group taking the route to Rizal street, Chief of Police Antonio Z. Oanis and his co-accused
Corporal Alberto Galanta were under instructions to arrest Anselmo Balagtas, a notorious criminal and
escaped convict, and if overpowered, to get him dead or alive. Proceeding to the suspected house, they
went into a room and on seeing a man sleeping with his back towards the door, simultaneously fired at
him with their .32 and .45 caliber revolvers, without firstmaking any reasonable inquiry as to his identity.
The victim turned out to be a peaceful and innocent citizen, Serapio Tecson who upon autopsy, multiple
gunshot wounds were found on his body which caused his death. The defendants alleged and appealed
that in the honest performance of their official duties, they acted in innocent mistake of fact.

Issue :

Whether or not Chief of Police Oanis and Corporal Galanta were guilty of murder.

Ruling/Held :

According to New Rules of Court Rule 109, Section 2, Paragraph 2, "No When making an arrest, no
excessive force should be used, and the No more restraint than necessary must be used on an arrested
person. Considering that the victim was murdered while dozing off, the crime was perpetrated by
Alevosia was a qualifying circumstance for both murders. even if it were accurate The accused would not
be legitimate in their accusation if the victim was the notorious offender. Murdering him when he was
asleep. even the most infamous criminals.The law forbids the captor from killing him since he is a
criminal. only when the fugitive is caughtfrom justice is committed to combating the law enforcement
officials who are trying to.