Case Summary (G.R. No. L-23405)
Background of the Incident
Aurelio Laguna was having dinner with his family when he was shot from outside the house. Testimony from Asuncion Canete, a daughter-in-law, indicated that immediately after hearing the gunshot, she looked out and identified Domingo Bato, along with Justiniano Ballais and Maximo Saldivia, in a position suggesting they were about to flee. The scene was well-lit by both Laguna's and neighboring houses, allowing for clear identification of the individuals present.
Testimonies Supporting the Prosecution
The prosecution's case relied heavily on eyewitness accounts. Asuncion Canete testified to seeing the defendant Bato with a firearm at the time of the shooting. Mrs. Laguna corroborated this by stating that her husband had identified Bato as his assailant both immediately after the shooting and later to various officials, including the barrio lieutenant and the municipal mayor. Furthermore, other witnesses, such as Vicente Duallo, provided additional support by stating they saw Bato and others fleeing after the gunfire.
Defense Testimonies and Alibi
In response, Domingo Bato maintained that he was at his family's residence at the time of the shooting, asserting that he did not leave that evening. He presented witnesses, including Felicisimo Bacquiano, to support his alibi. Ballais and Saldivia also provided testimony asserting they were at their respective homes. Additionally, a police officer attempted to corroborate Saldivia's alibi but confirmed that Mrs. Laguna accused Bato immediately after the incident.
Assessment of Evidence and Credibility
The crux of the case revolved around the credibility of the testimonies. The lower court found the prosecution's evidence more credible, highlighting the consistency of eyewitness accounts and Bato's proximity to the crime scene. The appellant's alibi lacked strength, with the defendant's location being only 800 meters away from Laguna's house, and it was deemed insufficient to counter the eyewitness identifications.
Legal Findings and Conclusion
Ultimately, the court determined that defendant Bato was guilty of murder, which was qualified by the presence of treachery. Crucial to this finding was the suggestion that Bato may have had a motive for the crime, as indicated by prior threats made against Laguna, as well as Laguna's involvement in legal disputes against Bato's uncle. The lighti
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-23405)
Case Overview
- The case involves the conviction of Domingo Bato for the murder of Aurelio Laguna.
- The Court of First Instance of Leyte sentenced Bato to life imprisonment and imposed accessory penalties, including indemnification of P6,000 to Laguna's heirs.
- The incident occurred on April 3, 1959, during a family dinner at the Laguna residence in Barangay Bagahupi, Babatngon, Leyte.
Incident Description
- Aurelio Laguna was shot while sitting with his family at their dining table, positioned near a half-open window.
- The shooting took place between 6:30 and 7:00 PM, with Laguna facing the road.
- Laguna sustained a gunshot wound that led to his death the following day.
Eyewitness Testimony
- Asuncion Canete, daughter-in-law of Laguna, testified she observed Domingo Bato, alongside Justiniano Ballais and Maximo Saldivia, in a squatting position near the window after hearing the gunshot.
- Canete noted the scene was well-lit, allowing her to identify Bato, who was armed with a gun, while the others had bolos.
- Mrs. Laguna corroborated the identification, stating that her husband indicated Bato as his assailant both immediately after the shooting and to local authorities shortly thereafter.