G.R. No. L-49162 - Jao vs. Court of Appeals

The appellants, Bingky Campos and Danny "Boy" Acabo, were charged with murder for stabbing Romeo F. Abad, 64 years old, on August 19, 2001 around 8:00 PM at Arellano Street, Poblacion Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental.
The stabbing inflicted critical injuries on Romeo's liver, gallbladder, duodenum, and pancreas, causing his death the following day at Holy Child Hospital.
The appellants were charged under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code for murder qualified by treachery.

Eyewitness Lester Huck Baldivino testified seeing Romeo buy cigarettes and candies and engage in casual conversation before appellant Danny suddenly stabbed him with a plamingko (a bladed weapon) while Bingky stood nearby.
Danny and Bingky immediately fled after the attack.
The medical evidence showed a fatal stab wound causing massive internal injuries and hypovolemic shock resulting in death.

Danny and Bingky claimed they were attacked by four unknown men while on their way to their uncle's house.
The appellants contended that Danny stabbed one of the men in self-defense after being kicked and held by the attackers.
They denied any involvement or conspiracy to kill Romeo and stated that Romeo was not among their attackers.

The RTC found the appellants guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua, ordering indemnity and damages to the heirs.
The CA affirmed the RTC decision in entirety.

The appellants asserted the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt and invoked self-defense.
The prosecution reiterated the sufficiency of evidence including eyewitness testimony and established conspiracy.

Whether the appellants' guilt for murder was proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Whether the appellants validly invoked the justifying circumstance of self-defense.
Whether conspiracy existed between Bingky and Danny in the killing of Romeo.
Whether the presence of treachery qualified the killing to murder.
The proper penalty and awards of damages.