G.R. No. L-38049 July 15, 1985
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. DELFINO BELTRAN, defendant-appellant.

FACTS

On the night of June 2, 1971, Agripina Maquera, her four children, and her sister Celedonia Ramirez were sleeping in a house in Abulog, Cagayan. Appellant Delfino Beltran called from outside for Agripina’s husband. Upon being told he was absent, Beltran demanded entry. When Celedonia opened the door, Beltran pointed a gun at her and pulled the trigger four times, but it only clicked. He then proceeded inside, fired at and clubbed the children Melba and Belina. When Agripina emerged, Beltran struck her with the gun’s butt, banged her head against the wall and floor until she lost consciousness. Belina died from her wounds the next day. Agripina and Melba sustained severe, life-threatening injuries.
The defense presented a different version. Beltran claimed he was fleeing from an altercation with a man named “Racy” and sought help at the Maquera house. He alleged that “Racy” initiated the violence, clubbing Agripina and firing a gun, and that a chaotic fight ensued during which the victims were accidentally wounded. He admitted to clubbing the victims during this struggle but claimed no intent to kill.

ISSUE

The core issues were the credibility of the conflicting narratives and the proper classification and penalization of the crimes committed, specifically concerning the presence of qualifying and aggravating circumstances.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction but modified the penalty. It upheld the trial court’s finding that the prosecution witnesses were credible and that Beltran’s version was “highly incredible.” The Court noted his failure to properly identify “Racy,” his admission of clubbing the victims, his disposal of the gun suggesting guilt, and the lack of corroborating witnesses. The number, location, and gravity of the victims’ wounds belied any claim of lack of intent to kill.
The killing of Belina was qualified by treachery, as the attack was sudden and unexpected, rendering her defenseless. Motive, while unproven, was deemed immaterial since the perpetrator’s identity was established. The crimes against Melba and Agripina constituted frustrated murder, as their injuries would have been fatal without timely medical intervention. The Court found the aggravating circumstances of disregard of age and sex, abuse of superior strength, and dwelling present. However, nocturnity was not considered purposely sought. For the murder charge, the death penalty was reduced to reclusion perpetua due to lack of the necessary votes. The civil indemnity for Belina’s death was increased to P30,000. The convictions for double frustrated murder were affirmed.