People v.

Ancheta

Topic: Arbitrary detention (discussed by Reyes on p. 48 of his book) FACTS:

  The assault committed by the Sanson brothers and justice of the peace Salazar
upon Ancheta took place immediately after Ancheta had been approached by Bibiana
Sanson (sister) in the middle of the street, while he was passing in front of the store
situated under the house owned by Sansons. 


 According to Ancheta, Bibiana was not innocent of the said aggression because: 


o It was strange for her to approach him in the middle of the street feigning friendship which
she never have done before and her brothers and justice of the peace Salazar immediately
afterwards assault him, punching and kicking him until he fell on the ground.

o The Sanson brothers and Salazar hold grudge against him by reason of his break up with
Bibiana and that the brothers had been informed that Ancheta had been spreading news that
he had the innermost garments of BIbiana.

o Bibiana did not do anything while Ancheta was being maltreated


o Sanson brothers and Salazar locked themselves in the house of Sansons until they were
compelled to surrender by the Constabulary.

 Based on the facts, there is not doubt that there is strong circumstantial evidence
that the aggression was premeditated and was the result of a previous conspiracy in
which Bibiana was part.

  As a result of the incident, Vicente Ancheta, being a commander officer of a

detachment of constabulary officers, by reason of his position, ordered the detention of
Bibiana. 


 On the same day on which Ancheta ordered the detention of Bibiana, he caused the 

presentation of a complaint for frustrated homicide, which was done against Bibiana
and her borthers, because he was of the opinion that such was the crime committed by
them against him. 


 The complaint was filed with the acting municipal vice-president on the belief that
the said official could act upon it in the absence of the justice of the peace and the
municipal president of Balbac.