Patayan Files: Pinakamalaking murder case ng dekada '90

1 00:00:09,593 --> 00:00:15,595 {\an8}Court en banc has acquitted {\an8}Hubert Jeffrey P. Webb, Antonio Lejano... 2 00:00:15,887 --> 00:00:18,809 {\an8}'There is no more {\an8}justice in this country!' 3 00:00:20,572 --> 00:00:24,900 {\an8}I heard the actual voice {\an8}recording of Helen and the children. 4 00:00:25,272 --> 00:00:28,150 {\an8}It was heart-wrenching. 5 00:00:28,305 --> 00:00:32,414 {\an8}My three brothers got {\an8}involved in illegal drugs. 6 00:00:32,439 --> 00:00:37,905 {\an8}They were sentenced to life in prison. 7 00:00:37,930 --> 00:00:41,130 They are now at the national penitentiary. 8 00:00:41,155 --> 00:00:45,346 We are thankful that the truth came out. 9 00:00:45,727 --> 00:00:48,841 From the start, we know we’re innocent. 10 00:00:52,018 --> 00:00:53,018 The '90s. 11 00:00:56,064 --> 00:01:00,002 A time of change and challenges for the Philippines. 12 00:01:00,891 --> 00:01:07,193 In the news: contoversy, tragedy and crime. 13 00:01:07,823 --> 00:01:11,121 There was still no internet or social media. 14 00:01:11,748 --> 00:01:13,619 As President of the Philippines... 15 00:01:13,644 --> 00:01:18,385 Television, radio, newspapers 16 00:01:18,719 --> 00:01:20,924 and films reigned as top information sources. 17 00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:29,993 We are very excited to have the pageant in Philippines. 18 00:01:30,077 --> 00:01:31,961 Long live the Philippines. 19 00:01:34,471 --> 00:01:35,814 If you're a '90s baby'... 20 00:01:35,839 --> 00:01:39,121 Chances are you've heard of these stories. 21 00:01:43,293 --> 00:01:47,186 Crimes so gruesome... 22 00:01:47,236 --> 00:01:52,177 you'd think they only happen in the movies. 23 00:01:54,000 --> 00:02:00,074 Watch Online Movies and Series for FREE www.osdb.link/lm 24 00:02:32,604 --> 00:02:38,968 "Help us! Help us!" 25 00:02:42,016 --> 00:02:43,086 Don't! 26 00:02:46,424 --> 00:02:50,495 The ‘Massacre Movies’ trend began 27 00:02:50,520 --> 00:02:54,176 with the gruesome murders of the Vizcondes. 28 00:02:54,201 --> 00:02:57,312 The case had police baffled as there were no signs of a break-in. 29 00:02:57,554 --> 00:03:00,908 June 30, 1991 30 00:03:01,155 --> 00:03:03,875 Found slain in a gated village in Parañaque were 31 00:03:03,900 --> 00:03:07,136 Estrellita, 47 years old… 32 00:03:07,367 --> 00:03:09,273 Carmela, 19… 33 00:03:09,298 --> 00:03:12,351 And Jennifer, seven years old. 34 00:03:13,547 --> 00:03:16,992 The Vizconde matriarch sustained 12 stab wounds. 35 00:03:19,629 --> 00:03:22,328 The little girl suffered 19 stab wounds… 36 00:03:24,723 --> 00:03:30,640 while Carmela was stabbed nine times after she was raped. 37 00:03:32,104 --> 00:03:35,269 The grieving patriarch, Lauro Vizconde, 38 00:03:35,294 --> 00:03:37,914 worked in the United States, and just arrived. 39 00:03:38,208 --> 00:03:44,375 He has made it his life mission to seek justice for his family. 40 00:03:44,485 --> 00:03:49,197 I believe more witnesses will come forward 41 00:03:49,222 --> 00:03:55,652 to complete the missing link in this heinous crime. 42 00:03:55,677 --> 00:03:57,429 Rodel Vizconde witnessed 43 00:03:57,454 --> 00:04:03,415 how his uncle fervently pursued the case, and the suspects. 44 00:04:03,440 --> 00:04:08,969 The police could not identify any suspect. 45 00:04:08,994 --> 00:04:11,765 They even presented two groups of fall guys. 46 00:04:12,218 --> 00:04:14,632 "Please! Don't hurt our children!" 47 00:04:18,102 --> 00:04:19,816 The police is still looking for suspects... 48 00:04:19,840 --> 00:04:21,312 No suspects. 49 00:04:21,662 --> 00:04:23,567 The case has the police baffled... 50 00:04:23,592 --> 00:04:25,436 No fingerprints. 51 00:04:26,658 --> 00:04:28,452 No evidence. 52 00:04:28,718 --> 00:04:30,163 No witnesses. 53 00:04:33,312 --> 00:04:35,025 Everything was quiet after that, 54 00:04:35,094 --> 00:04:37,024 and it seemed that the Vizconde case 55 00:04:37,049 --> 00:04:38,773 would never be solved. 56 00:04:49,007 --> 00:04:51,731 Then came Jessica Alfaro… 57 00:04:52,002 --> 00:04:56,036 Who claimed to have witnessed the Vizconde Massacre. 58 00:04:56,207 --> 00:04:57,761 "In a press conference, 59 00:04:57,814 --> 00:05:02,236 Jessica Alfaro identified eight men allegedly involved in the crime..." 60 00:05:02,320 --> 00:05:04,883 Four years after the crime… 61 00:05:05,056 --> 00:05:08,185 The prosecution team’s proclaimed ‘star witness’ 62 00:05:08,210 --> 00:05:10,763 identified the alleged culprits… 63 00:05:11,249 --> 00:05:15,220 most of whom came from influential families. 64 00:05:15,245 --> 00:05:17,650 "Mr. Hubert Webb is here, your honor." 65 00:05:17,675 --> 00:05:20,668 The name that stood out 66 00:05:20,769 --> 00:05:23,857 then 26-year-old Hubert Webb, 67 00:05:24,132 --> 00:05:28,228 son of incumbent Senator Freddie Webb. 68 00:05:28,590 --> 00:05:31,697 Jessica identified Hubert as the alleged mastermind. 69 00:05:31,722 --> 00:05:36,169 “At this point, I really don’t care who believes me.” 70 00:05:37,244 --> 00:05:38,244 That's it. 71 00:05:39,111 --> 00:05:40,946 I've came out to the open. 72 00:05:41,025 --> 00:05:43,470 It's all up to them if they want to believe. 73 00:05:43,548 --> 00:05:46,837 But eventually, the truth will come out. 74 00:05:52,277 --> 00:05:59,783 Before the end of 1995, the so-called ‘Trial of the Century’ began. 75 00:06:04,087 --> 00:06:06,931 I won't ever forget their lifeless bodies... 76 00:06:06,955 --> 00:06:12,789 And so did three films about the Vizconde Massacre. 77 00:06:20,228 --> 00:06:25,719 The wheels of justice turned for Carmela, Jennifer 78 00:06:27,295 --> 00:06:29,412 and Estrellita Vizconde. 79 00:06:29,991 --> 00:06:32,124 ...The principal accused guilty, 80 00:06:32,284 --> 00:06:34,638 beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of rape with homicide... 81 00:06:34,663 --> 00:06:40,405 Hubert Webb and his co-accused were sentenced to life in prison 82 00:06:40,430 --> 00:06:43,240 for the crime of rape with homicide. 83 00:06:46,340 --> 00:06:51,661 In 2005, the Court of Appeals upheld the verdict. 84 00:06:51,921 --> 00:06:54,272 But in 2010, 85 00:06:54,297 --> 00:06:58,897 "Court en banc in a vote of 7-4 has acquitted 86 00:06:59,566 --> 00:07:02,886 Hubert Jeffrey P. Webb, Antonio Lejano, 87 00:07:03,014 --> 00:07:06,092 Michael Gatchalian, Hospicio Fernandez, 88 00:07:06,240 --> 00:07:09,919 Miguel Rodriguez, Peter Estrada 89 00:07:10,003 --> 00:07:13,946 and Gerardo Biong for failure of the prosecution..." 90 00:07:13,971 --> 00:07:17,068 The Supreme Court acquitted all suspects. 91 00:07:17,717 --> 00:07:24,241 Hubert’s alibi that he was in the United States was solid. 92 00:07:24,266 --> 00:07:29,076 “We are thankful that the truth came out. 93 00:07:29,101 --> 00:07:35,932 From the start, we know we’re innocent and we believed in the justice system. 94 00:07:35,957 --> 00:07:39,301 We did not flee. We did not buy our way out. 95 00:07:39,326 --> 00:07:40,600 We’re all here. 96 00:07:40,873 --> 00:07:42,084 15 years. 97 00:07:42,802 --> 00:07:44,589 We accepted our fate for 15 years!” 98 00:07:45,423 --> 00:07:50,131 “There’s no justice in this country!” 99 00:07:53,586 --> 00:07:56,436 "Mr. Vizconde, can we get your statement?" 100 00:07:56,461 --> 00:07:58,787 "I have nothing further to say. 101 00:08:00,662 --> 00:08:02,389 Just let me be." 102 00:08:03,839 --> 00:08:13,326 My uncle, Lauro, lost all confidence and trust in the Supreme Court. 103 00:08:15,372 --> 00:08:18,839 "This is devastating." 104 00:08:18,864 --> 00:08:22,804 "Will you still seek justice for your family?" 105 00:08:22,829 --> 00:08:28,685 "Where will I find it? Who do I pursue? 106 00:08:29,358 --> 00:08:32,317 The court has set the real criminals free!" 107 00:08:33,541 --> 00:08:36,101 He was so disappointed, 108 00:08:38,409 --> 00:08:40,200 he lost the will to live. 109 00:08:41,116 --> 00:08:42,783 There was no chance to appeal. 110 00:08:43,323 --> 00:08:45,205 He just deteriorated. 111 00:08:48,747 --> 00:08:52,435 Lauro Vizconde died in 2016. 112 00:08:52,591 --> 00:08:56,046 Jessica Alfaro now lives abroad. 113 00:08:56,071 --> 00:09:02,722 Hubert Webb and his co-accused had to start over, 114 00:09:02,747 --> 00:09:06,060 after losing 15 years of their lives in jail. 115 00:09:13,924 --> 00:09:16,335 In the end, this bungalow 116 00:09:16,419 --> 00:09:21,964 on 80 Vinzons St., BF Homes, Parañaque 117 00:09:21,989 --> 00:09:29,958 remains the only witness to a crime that shook a nation, 30 years ago. 118 00:09:35,309 --> 00:09:40,880 A grisly crime also took place inside this house in Lipa, Batangas. 119 00:09:41,646 --> 00:09:43,692 Like Lauro Vizconde, 120 00:09:43,794 --> 00:09:46,725 Ronald Arandia came home from overseas to find his family murdered… 121 00:09:46,750 --> 00:09:51,596 His wife Helen, and daughters Chelsea and Geleen… 122 00:09:51,621 --> 00:09:54,896 on April 9, 1994. 123 00:09:55,771 --> 00:10:00,958 "I hoped we'll never be apart. I am nervous..." 124 00:10:00,983 --> 00:10:03,013 Seasoned actress Vilma Santos 125 00:10:03,038 --> 00:10:06,414 played Helen Arandia in the film. 126 00:10:06,439 --> 00:10:09,614 They put me in a coffin. I was so nervous! 127 00:10:09,639 --> 00:10:13,392 That was my first time to lay in a casket. 128 00:10:13,417 --> 00:10:21,191 "This is an offering, so the culprit comes forward..." 129 00:10:21,839 --> 00:10:26,077 True-to-life movies have to be accurate, 130 00:10:26,163 --> 00:10:30,926 even if minor adjustments like cinematic effects have to be made. 131 00:10:39,641 --> 00:10:42,860 The emotions she felt shooting the film 132 00:10:42,885 --> 00:10:47,842 are still vivid for the ‘Star for All Seasons.’ 133 00:10:47,867 --> 00:10:53,845 The massacre scene was terrifying, while we were shooting it. 134 00:10:53,870 --> 00:10:56,887 All I could think of was, can this really happen in real life? 135 00:11:02,024 --> 00:11:07,280 I heard the actual voice recording of Helen and the children. 136 00:11:07,603 --> 00:11:10,635 It was heart-wrenching. 137 00:11:11,088 --> 00:11:15,027 "Sorry I'm late. Traffic." 138 00:11:15,052 --> 00:11:17,012 A few years after the movie was shown, 139 00:11:17,037 --> 00:11:20,129 Vilma Santos became mayor of Lipa, Batangas… 140 00:11:20,154 --> 00:11:25,286 and met the primary suspect in the massacre, Elmer Palicpic. 141 00:11:25,311 --> 00:11:31,522 He was at the Lipa police station. 142 00:11:31,547 --> 00:11:35,157 I said, ‘So, you’re Palicpic. 143 00:11:35,734 --> 00:11:40,276 Did you really kill the Arandias?’ 144 00:11:40,360 --> 00:11:45,017 He denied it. 145 00:11:45,206 --> 00:11:49,318 But at the end of the day, he was convicted for the crime. 146 00:11:49,343 --> 00:11:52,693 He was jailed in Lipa, then transferred to the national penitentiary. 147 00:11:57,340 --> 00:11:59,379 "This is my family!" 148 00:12:01,630 --> 00:12:03,840 "This is my family!" 149 00:12:05,159 --> 00:12:08,457 "This is my family!" 150 00:12:08,482 --> 00:12:10,966 "This is my family!" 151 00:12:11,426 --> 00:12:16,724 And so, justice has been served. 152 00:12:17,180 --> 00:12:24,357 Life went on for Ronald Arandia and Helen’s relatives. 153 00:12:25,459 --> 00:12:28,322 "Mayor, this is the first time in Lipa's history 154 00:12:28,347 --> 00:12:30,442 that something this dreadful happened." 155 00:12:32,724 --> 00:12:35,679 The Arandia and Vizconde massacres 156 00:12:35,704 --> 00:12:38,801 were just two cases that gripped the nation. 157 00:12:38,826 --> 00:12:43,666 "Such impassioned statement from Ms. Alfaro... 158 00:12:43,691 --> 00:12:47,521 do you believe this witness?" 159 00:12:49,179 --> 00:12:51,364 Even before trials began, 160 00:12:51,389 --> 00:12:54,716 these true stories made their way to the big screen. 161 00:12:55,051 --> 00:12:57,695 And they were ‘blockbusters.’ 162 00:12:57,720 --> 00:13:05,720 The institutions of TV news and cinema are just there 163 00:13:05,898 --> 00:13:08,318 while the cases are tried. 164 00:13:08,343 --> 00:13:14,803 These discussions build expectations about the justice system. 165 00:13:15,488 --> 00:13:20,388 Carlo Caparas stood out in this genre. 166 00:13:20,472 --> 00:13:28,106 He brought back to life the greatest, most celebrated crime stories 167 00:13:28,286 --> 00:13:32,958 of Philippine popular culture. 168 00:13:32,983 --> 00:13:40,168 "Only critics brand my work as massacre films. 169 00:13:40,684 --> 00:13:43,408 I call them ‘justice films’ 170 00:13:43,577 --> 00:13:46,314 because the subjects are the victims themselves.” 171 00:13:49,048 --> 00:13:53,619 Carlo J. Caparas also helmed ‘The Maggie Dela Riva Story’... 172 00:13:53,735 --> 00:14:01,907 A crime committed in 1967, and re-told in a movie during the Nineties. 173 00:14:04,359 --> 00:14:07,677 "This week, two films opened in Metro Manila movie houses. 174 00:14:07,829 --> 00:14:09,335 These stories were sensational." 175 00:14:09,360 --> 00:14:13,688 "Film producers did not find it hard to attract a lot of viewers." 176 00:14:14,109 --> 00:14:18,852 "Should movies be allowed to screen while a criminal case is being tried?" 177 00:14:21,601 --> 00:14:26,673 Blood and violence were staples in the films of Carlo J. Caparas. 178 00:14:28,349 --> 00:14:34,206 I’ve shown that a filmmaker can help turn the wheels of justice. 179 00:14:34,877 --> 00:14:36,373 He raped me here! 180 00:14:36,398 --> 00:14:41,495 The Maggie Dela Riva Story, directed by Carlo J. Caparas. 181 00:14:44,607 --> 00:14:47,199 "You're just an actress. You act so high and mighty!" 182 00:14:47,224 --> 00:14:51,277 Aside from the Vizconde and Arandia massacres, 183 00:14:51,611 --> 00:14:53,590 he also directed a film about a rising star 184 00:14:53,615 --> 00:14:58,605 from the '70s named Maggie Dela Riva. 185 00:15:00,808 --> 00:15:07,726 Maggie was kidnapped, tortured and raped by four men in 1967. 186 00:15:08,143 --> 00:15:12,729 The suspects came from prominent clans. 187 00:15:12,813 --> 00:15:18,980 "Let them pay, Maggie! Let them pay with their lives! 188 00:15:19,835 --> 00:15:21,935 They deserve the electric chair!" 189 00:15:21,960 --> 00:15:24,712 Sentenced to death were Jaime Jose, 190 00:15:24,796 --> 00:15:29,916 Basilio Pineda Jr., Edgardo Aquino, and Rogelio Cañal. 191 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:34,200 Cañal died in 1971 while in prison. 192 00:15:34,225 --> 00:15:41,352 "I kept on asking why, why me?" 193 00:15:41,377 --> 00:15:45,812 The three other convicts were executed by electrocution. 194 00:15:48,413 --> 00:15:56,931 There was a man who had the audacity to approach me after the executions. 195 00:15:57,538 --> 00:15:59,144 He said, 196 00:15:59,630 --> 00:16:05,782 ‘How do you feel being responsible for the death of four men?’ 197 00:16:05,843 --> 00:16:11,819 Is he kidding? I said I’m not responsible for the death of four men. 198 00:16:12,105 --> 00:16:14,075 They did this to themselves. 199 00:16:14,480 --> 00:16:20,436 They had a choice, do good or do evil. They chose to do evil. 200 00:16:20,520 --> 00:16:25,386 They had to accept the consequences of their actions. 201 00:16:29,816 --> 00:16:34,303 February 5, the day of Leo Echegaray's execution. 202 00:16:34,593 --> 00:16:38,771 But will his death really solve this heinous crime? 203 00:16:38,796 --> 00:16:47,131 “Whether I die or I live. It’s all God’s will. 204 00:16:47,156 --> 00:16:51,060 The ultimate justice is with God.” 205 00:16:51,457 --> 00:16:56,959 "I'm just numb after what happened. How could he do this to our daughter?" 206 00:16:57,047 --> 00:16:59,625 Leo Echegaray was also sentenced to death 207 00:16:59,650 --> 00:17:06,387 for raping his ten years old stepdaughter in 1994. 208 00:17:06,465 --> 00:17:09,206 We should be firm on our decision. 209 00:17:09,339 --> 00:17:12,576 He was the first Filipino sentenced to die 210 00:17:12,601 --> 00:17:19,449 by lethal injection, upon the death penalty’s reimposition in 1993. 211 00:17:19,630 --> 00:17:24,547 Former ABS-CBN reporter Mon Ilagan distinctly remembers 212 00:17:24,658 --> 00:17:31,355 Echegaray’s execution on February 5, 1999. 213 00:17:31,584 --> 00:17:37,824 A glass separated the gas chamber and the area where spectators sat. 214 00:17:37,849 --> 00:17:47,741 The chamber was three to four meters away, audio speakers were all over. 215 00:17:47,825 --> 00:17:49,516 I was seated in the middle. 216 00:17:49,541 --> 00:17:55,000 In the gas chamber, we could see the gurney, covered in white cloth. 217 00:17:55,701 --> 00:17:57,325 There was a telephone. 218 00:17:57,662 --> 00:18:03,765 The IV lines hung ready while a priest waited inside. 219 00:18:04,052 --> 00:18:08,829 At 2:47 PM, Echegaray was brought in. He gave a brief statement. 220 00:18:08,854 --> 00:18:11,726 He laid on the gurney at 3 o’clock. By 3:19 PM, 221 00:18:12,015 --> 00:18:14,960 Leo Echegaray was pronounced dead. 222 00:18:18,560 --> 00:18:25,037 In 2006, the Philippines abolished the death penalty. 223 00:18:37,640 --> 00:18:39,886 Since capital punishment had been abolished, 224 00:18:39,969 --> 00:18:48,866 the sentence of Paco Larrañaga and his six co-accused were commuted in 1999. 225 00:18:48,955 --> 00:18:52,435 They were earlier convicted for the 1997 rape and murder 226 00:18:52,460 --> 00:18:56,533 of the Chiong sisters in Cebu. 227 00:18:56,790 --> 00:19:00,286 Two of the accused belong to Cebu's prominent Aznar and Osmeña family... 228 00:19:00,311 --> 00:19:04,679 The offenders, who belonged to influential families 229 00:19:04,704 --> 00:19:07,666 stood trial for the death of Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong. 230 00:19:07,789 --> 00:19:12,753 But to this day, they claim innocence. 231 00:19:13,057 --> 00:19:16,281 So I was raising my hand, your Honor I would like to take a stand, your Honor. 232 00:19:16,564 --> 00:19:18,704 He just looked at me and said 'no, no.' 233 00:19:18,729 --> 00:19:21,799 If I didn't have the handcuffs, I'd walk straight to the witness stand 234 00:19:21,824 --> 00:19:22,817 and sit down there. 235 00:19:22,842 --> 00:19:26,134 No matter what happens. I want to say that I'm innocent. 236 00:19:26,277 --> 00:19:27,914 I deserve it because that's my right. 237 00:19:27,939 --> 00:19:29,447 It has been a year and nine months 238 00:19:29,472 --> 00:19:31,804 since the Chiong sisters were abducted. 239 00:19:31,895 --> 00:19:36,718 Paco Larrañaga brought his quest for justice in the documentary film 240 00:19:36,743 --> 00:19:38,088 ‘Give Up Tomorrow’. 241 00:19:43,110 --> 00:19:45,977 The Chiongs, on the other hand 242 00:19:46,025 --> 00:19:52,244 told their story in the movie ‘Jacqueline Comes Home’ in 2018. 243 00:19:55,518 --> 00:20:02,174 "wherefore all the accused are hereby found guilty beyond reasonable doubt..." 244 00:20:12,400 --> 00:20:17,086 This was a complicated and mysterious case. 245 00:20:17,328 --> 00:20:18,910 "...she was gang-raped." 246 00:20:18,935 --> 00:20:22,244 Only Marijoy’s body had been found. 247 00:20:22,269 --> 00:20:29,445 The case’s judge died by suicide for unknown reasons. 248 00:20:30,720 --> 00:20:34,687 I have done my part already. I've done so much for my part. 249 00:20:36,070 --> 00:20:42,851 What more could I do. Right? It's very painful. 250 00:20:45,054 --> 00:20:49,434 Some of the convicts remained in the national penitentiary. 251 00:20:49,459 --> 00:20:51,057 They would have been eligible 252 00:20:51,082 --> 00:20:55,514 for the government’s Good Conduct Time Allowance Law (GCTA), 253 00:20:55,756 --> 00:20:57,114 but it fizzled out. 254 00:20:57,198 --> 00:20:59,734 The mayor has now exchanged his all white attire 255 00:20:59,759 --> 00:21:02,605 for the familiar orange uniform of Muntinlupa. 256 00:21:02,659 --> 00:21:05,385 In 2019, former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez 257 00:21:05,410 --> 00:21:09,934 came close to benefitting from the GCTA, 258 00:21:09,959 --> 00:21:13,142 or early release for time served. 259 00:21:13,167 --> 00:21:18,807 Seven counts of reclusion perpetua which means 210 years. 260 00:21:18,832 --> 00:21:22,640 But it was met with protests. 261 00:21:23,445 --> 00:21:26,902 Guilty beyond reasonable doubt of all the charges against him. 262 00:21:26,927 --> 00:21:32,449 In March 1995, Sanchez and six others were sentenced 263 00:21:32,653 --> 00:21:35,015 to seven counts of ‘reclusion perpetua’, 264 00:21:35,040 --> 00:21:39,966 almost permanent imprisonment. 265 00:21:40,050 --> 00:21:43,095 "We are innocent, damn it!" 266 00:21:43,120 --> 00:21:48,053 Sanchez is the primary culprit in the rape and murder 267 00:21:48,078 --> 00:21:51,803 of University of the Philippines Los Baños student Eileen Sarmenta, 268 00:21:51,828 --> 00:21:57,758 And the killing of her friend Allan Gomez on June 29, 1993. 269 00:21:58,742 --> 00:22:02,927 "The should not be quick to judge Mayor Sanchez." 270 00:22:03,018 --> 00:22:06,281 Until his death, 271 00:22:07,157 --> 00:22:10,874 Sanchez believed he is innocent, 272 00:22:10,899 --> 00:22:13,503 and should not have been punished. 273 00:22:13,586 --> 00:22:17,664 "The verdict would serve as an eye opener 274 00:22:17,690 --> 00:22:20,781 to people who are abusing their power." 275 00:22:20,975 --> 00:22:23,415 "I am not involved." 276 00:22:23,440 --> 00:22:30,549 Even with a Court order, Mayor Sanchez refused to pay the victims’ families 277 00:22:30,574 --> 00:22:34,094 Over 12 million pesos in damages. 278 00:22:34,879 --> 00:22:38,403 "We convene today this National Summit on Peace and Order 279 00:22:38,428 --> 00:22:42,383 to assess our peace and order situation." 280 00:22:43,112 --> 00:22:48,170 "Kidnappings, roberries, and other grave crimes do occur in our society." 281 00:22:48,373 --> 00:22:51,284 The Nineties were violent times. 282 00:22:52,177 --> 00:22:57,084 Films and news reports may have reflected 283 00:22:57,184 --> 00:23:04,196 the fear felt during those years. 284 00:23:04,221 --> 00:23:11,437 Massacre films and even reports of heinous crimes 285 00:23:11,520 --> 00:23:21,005 are manifestations of social anxiety at a specific period of time. 286 00:23:26,258 --> 00:23:28,093 Overseas, 287 00:23:28,118 --> 00:23:32,536 News about Filipinos are also causing fear back home. 288 00:23:41,792 --> 00:23:44,932 Pursue justice for Flor Contemplacion. 289 00:23:44,957 --> 00:23:47,739 In the Nineties, fear and anger gripped Filipinos 290 00:23:47,764 --> 00:23:52,411 when news came out about Flor Contemplacion. 291 00:23:52,539 --> 00:23:57,967 Flor was an Overseas Filipino Worker or OFW in Singapore 292 00:23:57,992 --> 00:24:06,670 who was executed for allegedly killing Delia Maga and her ward. 293 00:24:07,131 --> 00:24:12,276 Flor Contemplacion’s story was turned into film in 1995. 294 00:24:12,367 --> 00:24:14,894 Multi-awarded director Joel Lamangan 295 00:24:14,919 --> 00:24:17,488 provided a narrative to the tragedy. 296 00:24:17,572 --> 00:24:18,656 "Ma!" 297 00:24:18,748 --> 00:24:20,397 - "Sit! Just, sit!" - "Ma!" 298 00:24:20,843 --> 00:24:27,643 “The movie is about an overseas Filipino worker. 299 00:24:27,727 --> 00:24:29,947 Vic (Del Rosario), film producer, talked to me 300 00:24:30,031 --> 00:24:36,638 about research. I called in Ricky Lee and Bonifacio Ilagan (screenwriters). 301 00:24:36,663 --> 00:24:46,031 The three of us identified which parts of Flor’s life will go into the film.” 302 00:24:47,508 --> 00:24:52,195 Actress and ‘Superstar’ Nora Aunor was selected as lead. 303 00:24:52,569 --> 00:25:00,576 Nora is the biggest star of her generation. 304 00:25:00,746 --> 00:25:04,722 She has even gained international acclaim for her acting.” 305 00:25:06,739 --> 00:25:08,495 "Let me go!" 306 00:25:08,520 --> 00:25:13,695 It was a challenging film for Joel and Nora. 307 00:25:13,891 --> 00:25:19,493 Unlike the success stories of other OFWs, 308 00:25:19,665 --> 00:25:23,191 Flor Contemplacion’s fate went the other way. 309 00:25:23,216 --> 00:25:24,365 "Bye, mom." 310 00:25:25,607 --> 00:25:31,535 To support her family, Flor left San Pablo, Laguna to work 311 00:25:31,560 --> 00:25:36,717 as a domestic helper in Singapore in 1988. 312 00:25:37,433 --> 00:25:42,287 My father’s income then wasn’t just enough. 313 00:25:42,834 --> 00:25:44,294 "You'll write to me everyday, okay?" 314 00:25:44,319 --> 00:25:49,260 I can’t blame my mother for wanting 315 00:25:49,285 --> 00:25:52,531 to give us a better future by working abroad." 316 00:25:52,556 --> 00:25:57,363 It’s just unfortunate that Mama’s fate was like that.” 317 00:26:04,257 --> 00:26:06,833 On May 4, 1991… 318 00:26:06,858 --> 00:26:11,266 Domestic helper Delia Maga was found murdered 319 00:26:11,291 --> 00:26:14,451 in a Singapore apartment. 320 00:26:14,491 --> 00:26:21,053 Also found drowned in a pail was her three-year-old ward. 321 00:26:22,507 --> 00:26:27,108 Police found a lead in Delia Maga’s diary. 322 00:26:27,160 --> 00:26:31,600 Flor Contemplacion became the primary suspect. 323 00:26:33,087 --> 00:26:39,030 Flor allegedly owned up to the crime after her arrest. 324 00:26:39,682 --> 00:26:43,269 Delia was about to go on a vacation in the Philippines. 325 00:26:43,294 --> 00:26:48,495 She refused to bring Flor’s care package for her family. 326 00:26:48,520 --> 00:26:53,561 After an argument, Flor supposedly killed Delia… 327 00:26:55,765 --> 00:27:00,800 And went on to kill the child, Nicholas. 328 00:27:01,627 --> 00:27:04,703 "I told you, I did not kill anybody!" 329 00:27:05,747 --> 00:27:08,278 [SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE] 330 00:27:08,724 --> 00:27:11,839 Flor faced double murder charges. 331 00:27:11,864 --> 00:27:18,122 After three days of trial, she was sentenced to death. 332 00:27:19,147 --> 00:27:20,628 “Imagine, 333 00:27:20,653 --> 00:27:29,655 from 1991 to early 1995, there was no public attention on her case. 334 00:27:29,680 --> 00:27:38,636 It was only when Flor was about to be executed 335 00:27:38,745 --> 00:27:41,559 when the case went public. 336 00:27:43,137 --> 00:27:48,207 Back in the Philippines, 337 00:27:48,282 --> 00:27:55,557 there were street protests to pressure Singapore to stop the execution. 338 00:27:57,185 --> 00:28:00,534 "The government only moved at the last minute." 339 00:28:03,312 --> 00:28:07,915 Flor Contemplacion became a symbol of the fate of OFWs 340 00:28:07,940 --> 00:28:12,132 abused by their foreign employers... 341 00:28:12,157 --> 00:28:20,714 and abandoned by the Philippine government who can't protect them. 342 00:28:20,739 --> 00:28:22,374 "We were there the whole time -- 343 00:28:22,399 --> 00:28:26,427 Two years of investigation..." 344 00:28:26,452 --> 00:28:28,208 "and according to our consul general, 345 00:28:28,233 --> 00:28:31,284 she did not deny, participation in the beginning." 346 00:28:31,955 --> 00:28:34,540 According to the Singapore government, 347 00:28:34,565 --> 00:28:37,009 the death sentence will only be delayed 348 00:28:37,034 --> 00:28:42,249 if Flor would recant her original statement that she did it. 349 00:28:42,274 --> 00:28:46,702 But she did not recant. 350 00:28:51,124 --> 00:28:54,081 On March 17, 1995… 351 00:28:54,106 --> 00:28:56,855 "Justice for Flor!" 352 00:28:56,880 --> 00:29:00,667 While thousands of Filipinos prayed for a miracle, 353 00:29:00,692 --> 00:29:06,215 "Pray for us, oh merciful Virgin... Pray for us." 354 00:29:06,240 --> 00:29:09,518 Flor Contemplacion was executed by hanging. 355 00:29:12,653 --> 00:29:14,496 "Holy Mary, Mother of God, 356 00:29:14,580 --> 00:29:17,072 Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death..." 357 00:29:17,156 --> 00:29:18,750 "Mama Flor!" 358 00:29:19,887 --> 00:29:25,924 Delia Maga’s husband was in my mother’s wake for days. 359 00:29:25,949 --> 00:29:31,866 He also did not believe my mom can kill his wife… 360 00:29:31,891 --> 00:29:37,360 that a woman can commit such a crime. 361 00:29:37,385 --> 00:29:48,953 The Magas themselves were surprised by the autopsy findings. 362 00:29:52,005 --> 00:29:54,829 Three months after Flor was executed, 363 00:29:54,854 --> 00:30:00,055 Viva Films released ‘The Flor Contemplacion Story’. 364 00:30:00,080 --> 00:30:04,554 In this movie version, Flor was innocent. 365 00:30:05,575 --> 00:30:10,185 When the film was shown at the International Festival in Toronto, 366 00:30:10,210 --> 00:30:17,937 A Singaporean stood up and said, ‘Your film is not true!’ 367 00:30:18,070 --> 00:30:21,412 Your film is not true. That is not the truth! 368 00:30:21,437 --> 00:30:26,342 So I said, This is my truth and this is the Filipino truth. 369 00:30:26,367 --> 00:30:28,223 If you would like to have your own story, 370 00:30:28,248 --> 00:30:31,545 why don't you make your own film based on a Singaporean opinion? 371 00:30:31,628 --> 00:30:33,756 But this is our truth. 372 00:30:33,781 --> 00:30:36,039 This is the truth that I believed in. 373 00:30:38,624 --> 00:30:41,136 There was a scene in the film where Flor’s children visited her 374 00:30:41,161 --> 00:30:45,255 at Changi Prison. 375 00:30:45,280 --> 00:30:47,000 There was a glass divider. 376 00:30:47,086 --> 00:30:55,804 Flor was trying to embrace her kids and vice versa. 377 00:30:55,829 --> 00:31:02,983 That simple scene demonstrated the kind of mother Flor was. 378 00:31:03,008 --> 00:31:06,959 Because despite of all the struggles 379 00:31:06,984 --> 00:31:08,777 she have been through, all her problems, 380 00:31:08,802 --> 00:31:13,414 the only thing that matters to her is to see and embrace her children. 381 00:31:15,714 --> 00:31:19,836 ‘The Flor Contemplacion Story’ was a big hit… 382 00:31:19,927 --> 00:31:24,219 But tragedy struck Flor’s family again. 383 00:31:26,430 --> 00:31:30,501 My three brothers got involved in illegal drugs. 384 00:31:30,526 --> 00:31:36,174 They were sentenced to life in prison. 385 00:31:36,199 --> 00:31:39,695 They are now at the national penitentiary. 386 00:31:39,720 --> 00:31:42,455 They’ve been there for 13 years. 387 00:31:43,200 --> 00:31:47,108 My eldest brother died while in prison. 388 00:31:50,480 --> 00:31:56,463 If Mama were here, if she did not leave the country, 389 00:31:56,488 --> 00:31:59,815 this would not have happened to my family. 390 00:32:01,323 --> 00:32:05,074 The story of Flor Contemplacion 391 00:32:05,099 --> 00:32:14,628 brought to fore the plight of overseas Filipino workers. 392 00:32:16,170 --> 00:32:21,754 When we talk about justice, we should talk about 393 00:32:21,963 --> 00:32:23,666 why Filipinos are forced to go abroad. 394 00:32:23,691 --> 00:32:30,628 There’s not enough opportunity for them here. 395 00:32:30,835 --> 00:32:35,260 That fact alone is an injustice to them. 396 00:32:35,346 --> 00:32:38,975 There are still OFWs being beaten up. 397 00:32:39,000 --> 00:32:43,905 There are those who go home in a box, killed, 398 00:32:44,000 --> 00:32:46,615 will never saw justice served. 399 00:32:46,819 --> 00:32:51,884 I hope there will come a time when Filipinos don’t ever have 400 00:32:51,909 --> 00:32:53,399 to go overseas to work. 401 00:32:53,494 --> 00:32:55,895 We do not need these stories. 402 00:33:09,370 --> 00:33:15,561 "Justice for Flor!" 403 00:33:16,932 --> 00:33:21,824 "...beyond reasonable doubt, guilty of robbery and murder." 404 00:33:21,849 --> 00:33:26,168 "Innocent! The accusations are false!" 405 00:33:26,193 --> 00:33:27,231 Order! 406 00:33:27,256 --> 00:33:28,353 "He didn't do anything wrong!" 407 00:33:28,378 --> 00:33:30,036 Order in the court! 408 00:33:30,635 --> 00:33:34,113 In films, justice is almost always served. 409 00:33:34,138 --> 00:33:37,639 "Believe me, I am innocent!" 410 00:33:38,030 --> 00:33:39,911 But that’s not the case in real life. 411 00:33:39,936 --> 00:33:45,149 Some crime cases take several years to solve. 412 00:33:48,075 --> 00:33:50,143 In every unlawful act, there is a crime scene… 413 00:33:50,168 --> 00:33:56,522 where pieces of evidence pointing to suspects are. 414 00:33:57,258 --> 00:34:01,413 Evidence in the Vizconde massacre were burned. 415 00:34:02,152 --> 00:34:09,167 "It is regrettable that there is no evidence, they burned it..." 416 00:34:09,871 --> 00:34:12,025 "They completely destroyed evidence 417 00:34:12,989 --> 00:34:22,036 that could point to the culprits of this murder." 418 00:34:22,120 --> 00:34:26,787 This court hereby finds all the principal acused, guilty! 419 00:34:26,812 --> 00:34:30,053 Even without evidence, the case went to trial. 420 00:34:31,275 --> 00:34:33,469 To suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua 421 00:34:39,720 --> 00:34:43,192 "I think this is a very strong case, 422 00:34:43,819 --> 00:34:47,708 and we did not even search for Jessica, 423 00:34:47,733 --> 00:34:49,438 she came forward on her own." 424 00:34:49,463 --> 00:34:54,108 "Her conscience bothered her that's why she came forward." 425 00:34:54,133 --> 00:34:55,775 "Do you have a lover among this four? 426 00:34:55,800 --> 00:34:59,637 Yes, Peter Estrada." 427 00:35:01,450 --> 00:35:06,931 "Who raped the victim first?" 428 00:35:07,016 --> 00:35:12,187 "Who participated in the rape and the stabbing incident 429 00:35:12,212 --> 00:35:13,614 based on your statement?" 430 00:35:13,639 --> 00:35:18,175 "Hubert and Tony Boy." 431 00:35:18,259 --> 00:35:19,875 When Jessica Alfaro surfaced, 432 00:35:20,095 --> 00:35:24,692 the defense team put her credibility in question. 433 00:35:25,438 --> 00:35:27,665 Let’s distinguish evidence. 434 00:35:27,690 --> 00:35:31,887 There’s the eye-witness testimonies or narratives... 435 00:35:32,355 --> 00:35:40,570 ...which are valuable because they are the first-hand statements. 436 00:35:40,601 --> 00:35:45,243 ...although these can also be weak since we do not know... 437 00:35:45,268 --> 00:35:53,425 if witnesses are telling the truth or are being objective. 438 00:35:53,450 --> 00:35:55,130 "That woman does not know my son. 439 00:35:55,155 --> 00:36:00,516 Her description was far from the description of my son!" 440 00:36:02,993 --> 00:36:06,166 Their alibi did not pass. 441 00:36:06,191 --> 00:36:10,571 It was a controversial investigation and trial. 442 00:36:10,884 --> 00:36:14,197 "...the principal accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt 443 00:36:14,222 --> 00:36:16,336 ...and hereby sentences each of them 444 00:36:16,361 --> 00:36:18,681 to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua." 445 00:36:25,111 --> 00:36:29,362 The suspects' appeals even reached the Supreme Court. 446 00:36:29,867 --> 00:36:32,474 The Webbs camp asked the High Tribunal 447 00:36:32,499 --> 00:36:38,509 for a DNA test to see if semen found in Carmela Vizconde 448 00:36:38,534 --> 00:36:41,628 was that of Hurbert's. 449 00:36:42,076 --> 00:36:46,940 The semen sample found in Carmela's body went missing. 450 00:36:46,965 --> 00:36:53,954 The NBI and the Court both denied responsibility for the lost evidence. 451 00:36:53,979 --> 00:36:57,655 The Webb family is going to file a motion to cite 452 00:36:57,680 --> 00:37:01,516 any of these two entities for contemt for having lost the evidence. 453 00:37:01,541 --> 00:37:06,099 It's the complete prejudice of the accused Hubert Webb. 454 00:37:06,124 --> 00:37:10,044 "Imagine 20 years after my family's murder?" 455 00:37:10,069 --> 00:37:12,990 "Is this the kind of justice we have in the Philippines?" 456 00:37:13,080 --> 00:37:17,849 "I'm old, I'm already tired of expecting." 457 00:37:20,044 --> 00:37:26,763 Lauro Vizconde’s 20-year wait for justice was in vain. 458 00:37:27,192 --> 00:37:29,412 "Court en banc has acquitted 459 00:37:30,170 --> 00:37:33,205 Hubert Jeffrey T. Webb, Antonio Lejano 460 00:37:33,230 --> 00:37:37,785 “My world has fallen apart!" 461 00:37:38,220 --> 00:37:42,991 There’s no more justice in this country!” 462 00:37:47,120 --> 00:37:49,545 "Mr. Vizconde, can we get your statement?" 463 00:37:49,570 --> 00:37:51,986 "I have nothing more to say. 464 00:37:53,719 --> 00:37:55,467 Let me be..." 465 00:37:57,313 --> 00:37:58,669 "My God! 466 00:38:01,320 --> 00:38:05,131 Where do we find justice now?" 467 00:38:07,771 --> 00:38:14,055 Dr. De Ungria believes if forensic science 468 00:38:14,080 --> 00:38:17,506 was used in the Vizconde massacre case and other crimes, 469 00:38:18,002 --> 00:38:23,240 the investigations could have been more accurate and the justice swift. 470 00:38:23,472 --> 00:38:26,430 Forensic DNA 471 00:38:26,455 --> 00:38:33,607 is key in the investigation of crimes involving rape. 472 00:38:34,880 --> 00:38:38,113 The National Bureau of Investigation 473 00:38:38,205 --> 00:38:42,938 agrees science and technology are important. 474 00:38:43,152 --> 00:38:46,845 Technology has evolved 475 00:38:47,754 --> 00:38:51,525 because of the existence of the crime. 476 00:38:51,617 --> 00:38:57,363 We now have devices to investigate computer-related crimes. 477 00:38:57,388 --> 00:39:01,096 In our digital forensic laboratory, 478 00:39:01,824 --> 00:39:07,178 we have what we call forensic autopsy, 479 00:39:07,615 --> 00:39:11,101 computer autopsy, or gadgets autopsy. 480 00:39:11,440 --> 00:39:14,844 That's what we call our forensic work station. 481 00:39:17,263 --> 00:39:24,211 The role of DNA analysis in crime investigation has also advanced. 482 00:39:24,840 --> 00:39:26,741 “DNA sampling is a science 483 00:39:27,062 --> 00:39:38,291 that helps identify the victim and the sample source. 484 00:39:38,689 --> 00:39:44,088 DNA aids in the way we ask questions. 485 00:39:44,172 --> 00:39:50,046 It helps us reconstruct the circumstances surrounding the crime. 486 00:39:50,130 --> 00:39:53,029 "This Court therefore finds the accused, 487 00:39:54,652 --> 00:39:57,822 guilty beyond reasonable doubt of all the charges against them." 488 00:39:59,105 --> 00:40:03,233 "We didn't do anything!" 489 00:40:04,552 --> 00:40:09,062 Justice has been served for the family of Eileen Sarmenta 490 00:40:09,146 --> 00:40:15,502 and Allan Gomez with the imprisonment of former mayor Antonio Sanchez 491 00:40:15,527 --> 00:40:18,564 But there are still many victims and accused 492 00:40:18,589 --> 00:40:22,691 seeking final verdict on their cases. 493 00:40:23,145 --> 00:40:26,590 For experts, evidence-gathering 494 00:40:26,615 --> 00:40:29,926 must be accurate from the start... 495 00:40:30,112 --> 00:40:35,136 because this will dictate the pace of the trial. 496 00:40:42,179 --> 00:40:46,922 First, there should be proper documentation. 497 00:40:47,006 --> 00:40:54,820 Evidence at the crime scene could be moved around or even lost. 498 00:40:54,904 --> 00:41:00,548 Second, there should be different ways of gathering evidence 499 00:41:00,614 --> 00:41:03,935 to avoid contamination. 500 00:41:05,864 --> 00:41:09,066 Third, ensure chain of custody. 501 00:41:09,091 --> 00:41:14,800 Even if collection of evidence was properly done, 502 00:41:15,607 --> 00:41:20,247 if the chain's broken, that will be inadmissible in Court. 503 00:41:23,449 --> 00:41:27,864 The Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation 504 00:41:28,092 --> 00:41:35,723 are the lead government agencies in crime investigation. 505 00:41:36,379 --> 00:41:40,865 The criminal justice system rests on the Court. 506 00:41:40,896 --> 00:41:43,537 But before a case goes up, 507 00:41:44,334 --> 00:41:47,076 there's the prosecution and law enforcement ladders. 508 00:41:47,312 --> 00:41:57,548 When we declare 'case closed' with a recommendation to file in Court... 509 00:41:57,993 --> 00:42:02,526 that's victory on our part. 510 00:42:05,049 --> 00:42:13,526 But for the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, 511 00:42:14,440 --> 00:42:19,930 ‘case closed’ does not always mean a win. 512 00:42:19,955 --> 00:42:23,107 When a case is filed, that's 'case closed, ' 513 00:42:23,132 --> 00:42:27,038 but 'case solved' is a different matter. 514 00:42:30,303 --> 00:42:35,651 While there are people who have lost confidence in the justice system, 515 00:42:36,320 --> 00:42:42,276 some see hope in science. 516 00:42:42,904 --> 00:42:45,620 Science should be constantly developed 517 00:42:46,177 --> 00:42:49,096 so justice will be served on time. 518 00:42:55,216 --> 00:42:59,495 For victims, what matters is the truth. 519 00:42:59,598 --> 00:43:05,255 Their questions should be answered. 520 00:43:05,280 --> 00:43:07,680 After the truth comes justice. 521 00:43:07,764 --> 00:43:13,546 We do not want innocent people in jail. 522 00:43:14,148 --> 00:43:16,078 "According to the Penal Code of the Philippines, 523 00:43:16,162 --> 00:43:22,086 you are hereby sentenced by this Court..." 524 00:43:22,688 --> 00:43:27,389 Movies are a reflection of what’s happening in a society. 525 00:43:27,750 --> 00:43:32,373 Every victim wants justice. 526 00:43:32,398 --> 00:43:37,297 "You dismissed our case... Oh my God!" 527 00:43:37,322 --> 00:43:42,237 The accused could always claim innocence. 528 00:43:42,613 --> 00:43:50,957 But in the end, unimpeachable evidence from the crime scene holds the truth. 529 00:43:51,305 --> 00:44:51,265 Watch Online Movies and Series for FREE www.osdb.link/lm