THE UNITED STATES VS.

DALMACIO LAGNASON,
[ G.R. No. 1582, March 28, 1904 ] 3 Phil. 472
Villa-Abrille, Trisha Marie

Facts:
Lagnason, the defendant, with his band, made an attack upon the pueblo of Murcia
in the Province of Occidental Negros but they were driven off by the force of Constabulary
there stationed. Two inspectors of the latter arrived with additional fortes and left the
pueblo in search of the defendant. A fight lasted an hour and a half which killed twenty of
his men and two policemen. Consequently, the defendant was captured in battle.

Issue: Whether or not the acts of Lagnason constitute?

Ruling:
Yes, the acts of violence committed by Lagnason and his band constitute
treason.

Section 1 of Act No. 292 of the Philippine Commission provides that every person,
resident in the Philippine Islands, owing allegiance to the United States, or the
Government of the Philippine Islands, who levies war against them or adheres to their
enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the Philippine Islands or elsewhere, is guilty
of treason. In this case, the defendant’s organized attempt to overthrow and destroy the
established government is a levying of war against the government. It does not matter
how vain and futile his attempt was. Lagnason is guilty of treason.