G.R. No. 12701; September 6, 1917
THE UNITED STATES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. BONIFACIA SALAMAT, defendant-appellant.

FACTS:
The defendant-appellant, Bonifacia Salamat, admitted to causing the death of her husband by mortally wounding him with a dagger. The prosecution presented no eyewitnesses to the homicide and failed to establish any motive for its perpetration. The case thus relied heavily on the account provided by the accused, who claimed she acted in self-defense to repel unlawful aggression.

ISSUE:
Whether the defendant is exempt from criminal liability on the ground of self-defense.

RULING:
The Supreme Court reversed the judgment of the lower court and acquitted the defendant. The Court gave credence to the defendant’s testimony, finding it consistent and truthful, and concluded that her actions were reasonable under the circumstances as a legitimate act of self-defense against unlawful aggression. With the evidence in this state, the Court held that the defendant was exempt from criminal responsibility. The acquittal was issued with costs de officio.

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