CASE DIGEST: People v. Lol-lo, 43 Phil. 19

Title: People v. Lol-lo, 43 Phil. 19

Subject Matter: Applications of the provisions of Art. 2 of the Revised Penal Code

Facts:

On June 30, 1920, sixer vintas intercepted two Dutch boats which were on its way in the midst of the islands of Buang and Bukid in the Dutch East Indies. The six vintas were manned by 24 armed Moros. The said Dutch boats were carrying men, women and children. At first, the Moros asked for food. But when they got on the Dutch boats, they asked for themselves all the vessel’s cargo, attacked nearly all of the men and brutally violated two of the women by methods too tremendous to be described. All of the persons on the Dutch boat, except the two young women, were again placed on it and holes were made in it, the idea that it would submerge. The Moros finally arrived at Maruro, a Dutch possession. Two of the Moro marauders were Lol-lo, who also raped one of the women, and Saraw. At Maruro, the two women were able to escape.

Lol-lo and Saraw later returned to their home in South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu. They were arrested there and were charged in the Court of First Instance of Sulu with the crime of piracy.

Issue:

Whether or not Philippine courts have jurisdiction over the crime of piracy alleged in this case.

Held:

Yes, the Philippine courts have jurisdiction on the case. Piracy is a villainy not against any particular state but against all mankind. It should be tried and punished in the sufficient tribunal of any country where the offender may be found or into which he may be carried. The jurisdiction of piracy, unlike all other crimes, has no territorial limits.