Case Number 3

Title: People vs. Ric Munda Silapan

Case Numbers: 18-29733 and 18-29334

Date of Trial: May 20, 2019

Venue: Regional Trial Court – General Santos City, Branch 36

Incident: Trial

Start of Arguments:

The state prosecutor presented the witness, a law enforcement officer,

one of those who comprised the team which conducted the buy-bust
operation, thereby capturing the herein accused. He asked the witness if he
can positively identify the one who possessed and sold illegal drugs. The
witness himself positively identified the accused, who was present during
trial. Likewise, the witness also affirmatively ascertained that the pieces of
evidence present in court were those that were actually seized by virtue of
the buy-bust operation. In view of the foregoing, the prosecutor posited that
there is a strong evidence to support their assertion of the guilt of the
accused.

On the other hand, the defense counsel asserted that the accused is not
guilty of the crime charged against him. He cross examined the witness
presented the prosecution in trial. He asked if the witness really saw the
transaction four to five meters away. The witness answered in the
affirmative. He further interrogated the witness regarding the presence of the
brgy. chairman and media man. Again, the witness answered in the
affirmative. However, he noted that they are in a different location. This,
according to the defense lawyer, is questionable. In addition, he asked if the
witness had prior knowledge of the involvement of the accused in drug
possession and trade. The witness answered “No” but he was supplied with
an information from an informant which, according to him, was considered
reliable. Given these facts, the defense is convinced that the accused is not
guilty of the crime charged against him.