Case Summary (A.C. No. 6767)
Incident Overview
Reyes Matnog was fatally wounded at approximately 3 PM after attending a celebration for Pedro Baniega’s election as barrio lieutenant of San Miguel. Post-mortem investigations revealed that Matnog sustained multiple stab wounds, leading to his death from internal hemorrhage and shock, as confirmed by the autopsy report from the Rural Health Officer.
Investigation and Charges
Following the incident, Chief of Police Victorino F. de Leon conducted an investigation based on witness statements from Basilio Pornelos and Isabel Medala, which led to the preparation of a crime scene sketch. Subsequently, on March 15, 1962, the three Clemente brothers were charged with murder, alleging that they conspiringly attacked Matnog using bladed weapons.
Arraignment and Prosecution's Evidence
During arraignment, the defendants pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented testimonies, including that of Dr. Antonio Ofiana regarding Matnog’s death, and eyewitnesses who implicated the Clemente brothers. Only Pablito Seriguini could testify in court regarding the events he witnessed, where he claimed that Rosalio Clemente attacked Matnog with a double-bladed knife while Carlos and Pascual Clemente later joined in on the assault.
Defense Argument
The defense presented alibis for Carlos and Pascual Clemente, claiming they were gathering firewood at the time of the attack. Rosalio Clemente testified that he acted in self-defense during an altercation with Matnog. Defense witnesses corroborated their alibis but faced scrutiny because their testimonies appeared inconsistent and unconvincing.
Trial Court Decision
The trial court found all three Clemente brothers guilty, emphasizing the suddenness of the attack and the treachery involved, as Matnog was unarmed and defenseless when he was fatally attacked. The court sentenced Pascual and Carlos to reclusion perpetua for murder, while Rosalio received a lesser sentence for homicide, with additional civil liabilities for damages to Matnog's heirs imposed on all defendants.
Appeal and Criminal Responsibility
The defendants appealed, challenging the credibility of the eyewitness testimony. However, the court maintained that Seriguini's testimony was credible and consistent with physical evidence. The court also highlighted inconsistencies in the defense's case and maintained that elements of treachery characterized the killing.
Judgment on Appeal
Ultimately, the appellate court modified the judgment by reducing the penalties. Rosalio's liability was mitigated by his voluntary s
...continue readingCase Syllabus (A.C. No. 6767)
Case Overview
- This case involves an appeal from the decision of the Court of First Instance of Samar.
- The defendants, Carlos, Pascual, and Rosalio Clemente, were convicted of murder and homicide for the death of Reyes Matnog.
- The incident occurred on February 5, 1962, in barrio San Miguel, Lavezares, Samar.
Incident Details
- At approximately 3 o'clock in the afternoon, Reyes Matnog was attacked at the intersection of the national highway and a barrio road.
- Matnog had just attended a celebration for the election of Pedro Baniega as barrio lieutenant.
- The autopsy reported multiple stab wounds, including:
- A stab wound penetrating the chest cavity.
- A stab wound to the abdominal cavity.
- Lacerations to the back, including a fracture to the supra-scapular bone.
- The cause of death was determined to be profuse internal hemorrhage resulting in shock.
Investigation
- Chief of Police Victorino F. de Leon investigated the incident soon after it occurred.
- Eyewitness statements from Basilio Pornelos and Isabel Medala indicated the involvement of the Clemente brothers in the attack.
- The formal complaint against the Clemente brothers was filed on February 7, 1962.
Charges and Arraignment
- The Clemente brothers were charged with murder, detailing the use of weapons (bolos and knives) and the circumstances of the attack.
- All three accused pleaded not guilty during their arraignment.
Prosecution Evidence
- The prosecution presented key testimonies, including: