Ruffy vs.

Chief of Staff

Facts: Ramon Ruffy and the petitioners were accused of murdering Captain Bolencio
during the Japanese Invasion. Ruffy et al., were military men stationed at different
military camps, before heading to Mindoro to create a guerrilla force called Bolo Area,
or Bolo Combat Team. These men served as a force against the Japanese forces, until
Captain Belencio relieved them of their duty, and replaced Ruffy as commanding officer
of the forces, days later the murder of Captain Belencion occurred.
Issue: Were the petitioners subject to military law, and the consequent articles of war?
Held: Yes. Petitioners were still under the National Defense Act. They were still subject
to military law and the articles of war because as military men, the only reprieve is to
not be in active duty. The fact that they had set-up a guerrilla faction to fight the
invading Japanese forces does not relieve them of said duty. And as officers of the
guerrilla force, they are held accountable by Article 95 of the Articles of War: acts
unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman; which appropriates them even further under
military jurisdiction.