Case Digest (G.R. No. 126968)
Facts:
The case involves Ricardo Balunueco as the petitioner against the Court of Appeals and the People of the Philippines as respondents. The events transpired on May 2, 1982, in Bagong Tanyag, Taguig, where a violent altercation occurred involving the Balunueco family and the Iguico family. The incident began when Amelia Iguico, the wife of the deceased Senando Iguico, witnessed her brother-in-law Servando being chased by Ricardo and his relatives, including Reynaldo, Juanito, and Ramon Balunueco, along with Armando Flores. As the commotion escalated, Senando, unaware of the situation, stepped outside his home only to be attacked by the group. He was struck with a stone by Armando and subsequently cornered by Ricardo, Reynaldo, and Armando, who assaulted him with an ax and a bolo. Despite Amelia's attempts to protect her husband, she was also injured in the process. Senando sustained multiple fatal wounds, leading to his death, while Amelia suffered a leg injury.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. 126968)
Facts:
Incident Overview:
On 2 May 1982, at around 6:00 PM, Amelia Iguico witnessed her brother-in-law, Servando Iguico, being chased by Ricardo Balunueco, his father Juanito, brothers Reynaldo and Ramon, and Armando Flores. Servando sought refuge in Amelia's house. Amelia's husband, Senando Iguico, unaware of the commotion, went outside and was chased by Reynaldo. Senando fled but was cornered near a canal, where Ricardo struck him with an ax and later a bolo, causing fatal injuries. Amelia attempted to shield her husband but was also injured.
Medical Findings:
Dr. Maximo Reyes conducted an autopsy on Senando Iguico, revealing two stab wounds and nine hack wounds, with the cause of death being acute hemorrhage due to multiple stab and hack wounds.
Defense Version:
Ricardo Balunueco claimed he was fetching water when he heard his brother Reynaldo being attacked by Senando. He rushed to the scene and saw Senando hacking Reynaldo. Ricardo intervened, but Senando turned his aggression towards him. Ricardo denied being the aggressor and claimed he acted in defense of his relatives.
Trial Court Decision:
The trial court convicted Ricardo of homicide for Senando's death and frustrated homicide for Amelia's injuries, rejecting Ricardo's defense as self-serving and inconsistent.
Court of Appeals Decision:
The Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction for homicide but modified the charge for Amelia's injuries to attempted homicide, finding no intent to kill her.
Issue:
- Whether Ricardo Balunueco acted in defense of his relatives, justifying his actions under Article 11, paragraph (2) of the Revised Penal Code.
- Whether the testimony of Amelia Iguico, the lone prosecution witness, was credible and sufficient to convict Ricardo.
- Whether the injuries sustained by Ricardo and his brothers disprove the prosecution's claim that Senando was the aggressor.
- Whether the Court of Appeals erred in convicting Ricardo of attempted homicide for Amelia's injuries instead of frustrated homicide.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)