People v. Enummeng

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Jhun Enummeng and Elpidio Gonzales for Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention. The accused forced victim Jayson Ordinario into a taxicab, detained him at a lodge, and compelled him under threat of death to swallow 34 heroin-filled capsules for drug trafficking to China. The victim was rescued by police coordination after sending his parents the taxi's plate number. The Court rejected defense arguments about inconsistencies in prosecution evidence, holding that minor inconsistencies do not discredit witness testimonies. All elements of the crime were established: private individuals illegally deprived the victim of liberty with serious threats to life and family. The Court affirmed the penalty of reclusion perpetua and awarded P75,000 each for civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages, demonstrating the severity of kidnapping crimes in Philippine criminal jurisprudence.