G.R. No. 19586; February 17, 1923
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, plaintiff-appellee, vs. ANACLETO TEMBREVILLA, ET AL., defendants. ANACLETO TEMBREVILLA, appellant.

FACTS

An information was filed charging Anacleto Tembrevilla and others with murder for the killing of Nicomedes Taleon. The incident arose from a land dispute. While Anacleto was fencing the land, Taleon and his companions arrived. A dispute ensued, during which Taleon, in anger, unsheathed his bolo and struck at Anacleto. Anacleto retreated to a fence and defended himself with his bolo, striking Taleon on the wrist of his right arm. Taleon died from the wound about four hours later. Evidence indicated Taleon was the aggressor and had given his companions tuba (coconut wine) before going to the scene, telling them they were going to a fight. The trial court acquitted several co-accused but convicted Anacleto Tembrevilla of homicide, sentencing him to reclusion temporal. He appealed.

ISSUE

Whether the trial court erred in convicting Anacleto Tembrevilla, specifically in finding that he was the aggressor and not acting in self-defense.

RULING

Yes. The Supreme Court reversed the trial court’s judgment. After analyzing the evidence, and considering the recommendation of the Attorney-General for acquittal, the Court found that the evidence tended to show the deceased was the aggressor and that the appellant acted in self-defense. The evidence was insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was one of justifiable homicide. The appellant was acquitted and ordered released from confinement.