People vs Lol-lo and Saraw, GR No.

17958
Angelene Aries P. Amar

FACTS:
On June 30, 1920, six vitas manned by 24 armed Moros intercepted 2 Dutch boats.
They first asked for food, but once in the boat, took all the cargo, attacked some of the
men, and brutally violated 2 of the women. They took the 2 women with them, placed
holes in the ship to let it sink, and left the people there. The 2 women were able to escape
at Maruro. Lol-lo and Saraw later returned to Tawi-Tawi and was arrested there for piracy.

ISSUE:
Whether or not Lol-lo and Saraw are guilty of Piracy.

RULING:
Yes, Lol-lo and Saraw are guilty of Piracy. All of the elements of the crime of piracy
are present. Piracy is robbery or forcible depredation on the high seas, without lawful
authority and done animo furandi, and in the spirit and intention of universal hostility.
Piracy is a crime against all mankind, therefore, it can be punished in any competent
tribunal of any country where the offender may be found. It doesn’t matter that the crime
was committed within the jurisdictional 3-mile limit of a foreign state. Those limits, though
neutral to war, are not neutral to crimes.