Case Summary (G.R. No. L-25134)
Incident Description
The confrontation escalated when Dominador and Herman attacked Florencio Macalino, who was involved in the dispute on behalf of his brother, Oscar. Witness Heli Teves observed that Dominador prevented assistance to Florencio while Herman fatally stabbed him multiple times from behind. The incident resulted in Florencio's death, prompting an investigation led by Patrolman Teodoro Ybuan. Dominador eventually surrendered, and both he and Herman were charged with murder in the Court of First Instance of Quezon City.
Trial Court Findings
The Regional Trial Court convicted Dominador of murder on February 17, 1987, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua and ordering him to pay damages to Florencio's heirs. Dominador pleaded not guilty and subsequently appealed the decision, claiming multiple errors by the trial court concerning witness testimonies and the interpretation of evidence.
Claims of Errors
The appellant's primary arguments included assertions that witness testimony exculpated him rather than implicated him. He contended that the evidence could not establish conspiracy between him and Herman. Dominador also challenged the trial court’s findings regarding the hostility displayed toward Oscar Macalino, and the credibility of various witnesses, including Conrado Ordono, who was stated to have been present during the incident.
Interpretation of Evidence
The court examined claims regarding the concert of action between father and son during the crime and asserted that conspiracy could be inferred from the circumstances surrounding the attack. Despite the defense's claims regarding witness credence and procedural errors, the court reaffirmed that the testimony of witnesses corroborated the prosecution's account and supported the existence of a joint criminal intent.
Legal Principles Applied
In evaluating the murder charge, the court considered the qualifying circumstance of abuse of superior strength, stemming from the weapons used and the positions of Dominador and Herman during the attack. Although it upheld the murder conviction, the appe
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Case Background
- The incident occurred on April 25, 1981, during a volleyball competition at the basketball court of Barangay Libis, Quezon City.
- Dominador Roca, the chief executive officer of the barangay Tanod Brigade, attended the event with his wife and daughter, who was part of a competing team.
- An altercation began when Dominador slapped the coach of the Gallant Team, prompting Oscar Macalino to question Dominador's actions.
- Dominador threatened Oscar, who noticed that he was under the influence of liquor.
- Following this, Dominador approached Oscar's house, where a confrontation ensued, leading to the involvement of Florencio Macalino, Oscar's brother.
Incident Description
- Dominador and Florencio engaged in a heated exchange, during which Dominador drew a bladed weapon.
- Herman Roca, Dominador's son, arrived armed with a bayonet and stabbed Florencio from behind.
- Florencio suffered six stab wounds and two incised wounds on his arm before collapsing and later dying at Quirino Memorial Hospital.
- Witnesses, including Heli Teves, observed the incident and expressed concern about the violence.
Legal Proceedings
- Dominador and Herman Roca were charged with murder; however, Herman remained at large during the legal proceedings.
- Dominador was arraigned and pleaded not guilty; the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City ultimately found him guilty and se