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Question
MV Solaris, a Philippine-registered bulk carrier, sails in international waters about 110 miles east of Catanduanes. Four armed men in a fast, unmarked boat approach under cover of darkness, attach a line, board the vessel, brandish firearms, threaten the crew, and compel the captain to surrender PHP 180,000 in cash and valuables worth PHP 320,000. After about 18 minutes they depart; no one is injured. The men publicly declare they are pirates acting under P.D. No. 532 and that their purpose was robbery at sea. The vessel owner asks that piracy charges be filed. (a) Under P.D. No. 532, is this piracy? Identify the controlling rule/elements and apply to the facts. (b) Could the same acts also constitute robbery at sea or any other related offense? Explain your answer and what factors would govern charging.