Rodillas v.

Sandiganbayan

G.R. No. 58652

Facts:

Herein petitioner appealed a case decided by the Sandiganbayan convicting him of the crime of
Infidelity in the Custody of prisoner thru negligence. The said case was based on the fact that petitioner
a jail guard who after the hearing permitted the detainee to have snacks at the second floor and even
permitted her to go to the restroom without first checking if there are any available egress, which led to
the escape of the detainee. The petitioner on appeal raised the defence that he was never trained nor
lectured about the process.

Held:

The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Sandiganbayan in convicting herein petitioner.
In ruling such, the court ratiocinated that it is the duty of any police officer having custody of a prisoner
to take necessary precautions to assure the absence of any means of escape. A failure to undertake
these precautions will make his act one of definite laxity or negligence amounting to deliberate non-
performance of duty. Further it is not necessary that connivance be proven to hold him liable for the
crime of infidelity in the custody of prisoners.