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Tuesday, February 14, 2006
2 men sentenced to die
Two men, who have been tagged in snatching incidents, were sentenced to death by lethal injection yesterday for cases of robbery with multiple rape.
Ronald Gabuya and Ryanneal Giron were also ordered to pay the woman, a 25-year-old ice cream parlor attendant, more than P200,000 in civil indemnity, moral damages and other expenses.
The attendant alleged that she was robbed and raped by both men on March 18, 2002 while she was walking home from her place of work along Visitacion St., Cebu City past midnight.
Gabuya and Giron also had previous theft records.
In her testimony, the woman said she was familiar with both the accused as she often saw them when she walked home with a co-employee.
However, on that day, she was alone as her coworker was transferred to another branch.
She narrated that when she noticed Gabuya and Giron following her, she walked faster. But the two also walked faster and eventually caught up with her.
Gabuya allegedly threatened the woman with a knife and told her not to shout. Both the accused then dragged her to a nearby vacant lot where they took her bag.
Inside the bag was a wallet with close to P500 and a calculator worth P700. She was also robbed off her wristwatch worth P1,800.
The woman also narrated that the two pushed her to the ground and took turns raping her.
A woman later arrived at the area, prompting the accused to flee.
A doctor issued a medical certificate stating that the woman had signs that she was raped.
Giron, in his defense, told the court that he was at home, sleeping at the time of the incident. While he admitted that Gabuya is a friend, Giron said he seldom went out with him.
Gabuya offered the same defense in court, that he was sleeping at the time of the incident.
But Regional Trial Court Judge Olegario Sarmiento of Branch 24 noted that the woman could not have been mistaken when she pointed to Gabuya and Giron as her assailants as she often saw them on her way home.
Sarmiento also noted the doctor’s medical examination.
The judge also rejected the denial and alibi of Gabuya and Giron since it was uncorroborated.
He explained his decision sentencing the two men to death, citing the Heinous Crime Act that penalizes criminals to reclusion perpetua (20 to 40 years in jail) to death, when rape is done by two or more persons and if the rape is committed with the use of a deadly weapon. The same applies to robbery accompanied by rape.
The two were teary-eyed as the verdict was read. When reporters interviewed them after the promulgation, both could hardly talk.
They only nodded to reporters when they were asked if they intend to appeal the decision. They found the sentence harsh, as they maintained their innocence. (JGA)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 14, 2006 issue)
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