Case Summary (G.R. No. 104067)
Judgment and Penalty
The trial court rendered its judgment on August 21, 1991, finding Fuertes guilty of murder and sentencing him to reclusion perpetua, along with an indemnification order to pay the victim's heirs a total of P250,000.00 in damages.
Evidence and Witness Accounts
The prosecution's case included witness testimony from Manuel Lagrosa and Francisco Macalalad. Lagrosa, while conversing with the victim, identified Fuertes as the individual who shot Babula in the head, corroborated by the autopsy report indicating a fatal gunshot wound. Macalalad, positioned nearby, also saw Fuertes and an unidentified accomplice with weapons directed at the victim.
Defense and Alibi
Fuertes denied involvement and claimed an alibi, explaining he was engaged in a family celebration on the night before the shooting. Testimony from his friend Tess Ishmael supported his alibi, indicating they traveled to work together on the morning of the incident.
Surrender and Subsequent Actions
Fuertes initially evaded arrest but later turned himself in following discussions with an NBI agent, mentioning concerns for his safety. Throughout this period, he maintained his innocence.
Appellate Review
In reviewing the trial court’s decision, the appellate court emphasized the credibility of eyewitness accounts. The fact-finding role of trial judges is typically upheld unless compelling reasons exist to deviate from such findings, which were not found in this case despite procedural nuances.
Contesting Witness Credibility
Fuertes challenged the credibility of Lagrosa and Macalalad based on minor inconsistencies in their testimonies and their lack of immediate action following the shooting. However, the appellate court found their testimonies credible, consistent with human experience during traumatic events, and indicative of sincerity.
Circumstantial Evidence and Guilt
The appellate court recognized that while no witness directly observed the shooting, circumstantial evidence sufficed to establish Fuertes’ guilt. His actions immediately before and after the shooting corroborated the identification of his involvement in the crime.
Legal Standards on Charges
The information filed against Fuertes was deemed
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 104067)
Case Overview
- The case involves Narciso G. Fuertes, who was accused of conspiring with others to murder Pablo B. Babula on August 9, 1990, in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
- Fuertes was the only one of the four accused to stand trial, pleading not guilty.
- The trial court rendered a judgment on August 21, 1991, sentencing Fuertes to reclusion perpetua and ordering him to pay P250,000.00 in damages to the victim's heirs.
Facts of the Case
- The incident occurred while private contractor Manuel Lagrosa was waiting for co-workers at the corner of Singco de Junio Street.
- Fuertes approached Lagrosa, and they discussed fighting cocks when Pablo B. Babula emerged from his house.
- A conversation ensued between Fuertes and Babula as they walked towards Libertad Street.
- Witnesses Lagrosa and Francisco Macalalad heard a gunshot; Lagrosa saw Babula fall to the ground, while Macalalad observed Fuertes and an unidentified accomplice standing near the victim, both armed.
- Following the shooting, Fuertes fled the scene and went into hiding for two months before surrendering to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Evidence Presented
- An autopsy confirmed that Babula died from a gunshot wound to the head.
- Witness testimonies were critical, with Lagrosa and Macalalad identifying Fuertes as the shooter.
- Lagrosa's residence certificate and additional supporting documents were presented to v