People v. Molleda
People v. Molleda
People v. Molleda
MOLLEDA
G. R. No. L-34248, November 21, 1978
Facts:
Appellants were convicted as principals in the crime of murder, qualified by taking advantage of
superior strength and with the aggravating circumstance of deceit. They contend that the trial
court erred in considering evidence comprising the fruits of an illegal arrest without a warrant.
Issue:
Is the contention of the appellants correct?
Decision:
No. Appellants were apprehended by the Anti-Hoodlum Unit of the Manila Police Department
while in hiding, pursuant to an alarm flashed after they were identified and verified to be the
perpetrators of the killing. Upon being discovered in their hideouts, they were invited by the
Anti-Hoodlum Unit for investigation on well-grounded suspicions for their part in the killing.
The police are not guilty of arbitrary detention since they acted in the performance of their duty.