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People vs. Kelley etc.

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE, VS. JONATHAN WESTLIE KELLEY, A.K.A. "DADDY WESTLIE," CARLOTA CERERA DELA ROSA, A.K.A. "MOMMY LOTA," CHERRIE NUDAS DATU, A.K.A. MOMMY CHERRIE," REY KELLEY ALIAS "BUROG," ALIAS DADDY KELLEY," AND GLENDA L. JIMENEZ, ACCUSED, JONATHAN WESTLIE KELLEY, CARLOTA CERERA DELA ROSA, AND CHERRIE NUDAS DATU, ACCUSED-APPELLANTS.

G.R. No. 243653 | 2020-06-22

THIRD DIVISION
 
 

DECISION
 
LEONEN, J.:
 
The factual findings of a trial court, along with its evaluation of the credibility of witnesses and their testimonies are entitled to great respect.

These are not to be disturbed on appeal, unless it can be shown that the trial court "overlooked, misapprehended, or misapplied" facts or circumstances of weight and substance.[1] Bare denials by the accused cannot prevail against unequivocal proof of their participation in the complex operations of a syndicate trafficking persons. When their participation in a conspiracy is shown beyond reasonable doubt, each of them is...