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 vessels 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.