Case Summary (G.R. No. L-10951)
Facts of the Case
On the evening of the incident, numerous attendees, including the deceased, gathered for a sermon. Witnesses observed Gregorio Ramirez approaching Crisanto Manalo from behind and stabbing him with a double-edged dagger. Witnesses noted Ramirez’s intention to inflict harm on Manalo despite verbal warnings from bystanders. Eventually, Manalo succumbed to the stab wounds, which were determined to be fatal after an autopsy revealed severe internal damage.
Defense Claims
In his defense, Ramirez claimed that he acted in self-defense, asserting that he was attacked first by Jose Evangelista and another individual. He alleged that after being provoked, he drew his dagger in response to a physical assault. Ramirez's testimony contradicted other witnesses' accounts regarding the sequence of events, casting doubt on the credibility of his self-defense claim.
Evaluation of Testimonies
The court found inconsistencies among the testimonies of Ramirez and his witnesses. While Ramirez claimed he was attacked and retaliated in self-defense, his witnesses provided conflicting accounts about the nature and sequence of the altercations. The trial judge gave greater weight to eyewitnesses who unequivocally identified Ramirez as the aggressor, effectively undermining the appellant’s narrative.
Role of Motive
The prosecution did not establish a clear motive for the crime, as they were not required to demonstrate motive given the defendant’s admission of guilt in inflicting the fatal injury. However, the circumstances surrounding the incident pointed toward a motive based on perceived disruptions to the religious service. The court recognized that Ramirez’s behavior—armed with a dagger and actively seeking out potential aggressors—implied a premeditated intention to confront the individual responsible for the nuisance smoke that had disturbed the gathering.
Conclusion of the Court
The trial court and the appellate court affirmed the conviction based on the presented evidence and corroborated testimonies that directly contradicted the a
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-10951)
Case Citation
- 104 Phil. 720
- G.R. No. L-10951
- Date of Decision: October 23, 1958
Parties Involved
- Plaintiff and Appellee: People of the Philippines
- Defendant and Appellant: Gregorio Ramirez
Procedural Background
- Appeal from the decision of the Court of First Instance of Mindoro.
- Sentencing of Gregorio Ramirez to life imprisonment for the crime of murder.
- Ordered to pay P6,000 indemnity to the heirs of the deceased.
Facts of the Case
- Incident occurred on the evening of April 29, 1955, during a public religious service of the "Iglesia ni Cristo" in San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro.
- The deceased, Crisanto Manalo, was present at the service, listening from a distance of thirty meters.
- Witnesses observed Ramirez approach Manalo from behind and stab him with a nine-inch double-edged dagger.
- Witness Jose Evangelista attempted to intervene but was also stabbed by Ramirez.
- Manalo died shortly after being taken to the provincial hospital, with an autopsy revealing a severe stab wound that perforated vital organs.
Appellant's Testimony
- Ramirez claimed self-defense, alleging that he was provoked by Evangelista and another man (Manikis) before the stabbing occurre