PEOPLE v. BUGARIN

PEOPLE v. BUGARIN
G.R. No. 224900
March 15, 2017

FACTS:

The case was about the allege murder of Nestor Bugarin against Esmeraldo Pontatar, Cristito Pontanar and the attempted murder against Maria Pontanar.

Bugarin was said to be seen by some witnesses carrying an unlicensed firearm, after having shot and killed Esmeraldo and Cristito Pontatar and after seriously injuring Marian Pontatar.

During trial, it was proven that, Bugarin, with deliberate intent, intent to kill, with treachery, evident premeditation, and without regard to the victim’s age and rank, suddenly and un expectedly assaulted the said victims, which resulted to the death of Esmeraldo and Cristito Pontanar and seriously injuring Maria Pontatar. Bugarin, in his defense, stated that he only acted in self-defense, which he was not able to prove.

• RTC- Found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of two counts of murder and one attempted murder.
• CA- affirmed the decision of RTC.

ISSUE:

Is the CA correct?


HELD:

SC held in the positive. During trial it was proved beyond reasonable doubt, that, the petitioner was guilty of two counts of murder and one attempted murder. The defense of the petitioner that he acted in self-defense was not sufficiently proved during trial. Hence, the court finds the petitioner guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of two counts of murder and one attempted murder.