People v. Tulin, G.R. No.

111709, August 30, 2001

Ryan James N. Amistad

FACTS:

In the evening of March 2, 1991, a cargo vessel owned by the PNOC Shipping and
Transport Corporation, loaded with barrels of petroleum products was seized by 7 fully
armed pirates. The vessel was directed to proceed to Singapore where the cargoes were
unloaded and thereafter returned to the Philippines on April 10, 1991. On October 24,
1991, an information charging qualified piracy was charged to the accused.

ISSUE:

Whether or not the accused are liable for piracy.

RULING:

Yes. All of the accused are guilty of piracy.

The Court held that prosecution was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that
all of the accused committed the crime of qualified piracy under Article 122 of the Revised
Penal Code. As regards to the lack of jurisdiction of the Courts over accused Hiong since
the crime was committed outside of the Philippine waters, it was held that even though
the captive vessel was brought by the pirates to Singapore, where the cargo was off-
loaded under Hiong’s direct supervision, the disposition by the pirates is still deemed part
of the act of piracy.