THIRD DIVISION

[G.R. Nos. 76493-94. February 26, 1990.]

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, plaintiff-appellee, vs. VIRGILIO

URIBE, defendant-appellant.

The Office of the Solicitor General for plaintiff-appellee.

Benito R. Cuesta I for defendant-appellant.

SYLLABUS

1. CRIMINAL LAW; JUSTIFYING CIRCUMSTANCES; SELF-DEFENSE;

UNLAWFUL AGGRESSION IS ABSENT WHERE EVIDENCE INDICATES
APPELLANT AS AGGRESSOR AND VICTIM WAS RUNNING AWAY TO SAFETY. —
Vicente Cabanacan, then staff sergeant of the PC and stationed at Regional
Command No. 8 and who was with both Uribe and Tibay at the July 22nd
canteen during the incident categorically stated that the appellant hit the
victim first (Tsn p. 41, February 10, 1985). This testimony was corroborated
by Genoveva Barredo, cashier of the July 22nd Canteen who was also
present during the incident. (Tsn, p. 77, April 11, 1984). This evidence
negates the appellant's contention that there was unlawful aggression on
the part of Tibay. The appellant was the aggressor. The victim was running
away from him, apparently looking for a safe sanctuary.
2. REMEDIAL LAW; EVIDENCE; FINDINGS OF FACT OF TRIAL COURTS
ENTITLED TO HIGHEST RESPECT. — It appears clear from the records that the
appellant failed to prove his claim of self-defense. We see no reason to
deviate from the well-entrenched principle that findings of fact of trial courts
are entitled to the highest respect inasmuch as these courts have the
privilege of examining the deportment and demeanor of witnesses and
therefore can ascertain if such witnesses are telling the truth or not. (People
v. Abagon, supra).
3. CRIMINAL LAW; QUALIFYING CIRCUMSTANCE; TREACHERY; WHEN
PRESENT; EVIDENCE MUST BE SHOWN THAT MODE OF ATTACK WAS
CONSCIOUSLY ADOPTED BY APPELLANT TO MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE OR HARD
FOR PERSON ATTACKED TO DEFEND HIMSELF OR RETALIATE. — We,
however, do not agree that there was treachery which qualifies the killing to
murder. Section 16, Article 14 of the Revised Penal Code states that "There
is treachery when the offender commits any of the crimes against the person
employing means, methods, or forms in the execution thereof which tend
directly and specially to insure its execution, without risk to himself arising
from the defense which the offended party might make. Moreover, evidence
must be shown that the mode of attack was consciously adopted by the
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 appellant to make it impossible or hard for the person attacked to defend
himself or retaliate. (People v. Crisostomo, 160 SCRA 47 [1988]).
4. ID.; ID.; ID.; ABSENT AS APPELLANT DID NOT TAKE
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO INSURE NO RISK UPON HIMSELF NOR DID HE
CONSCIOUSLY ADOPT A MODE OF ATTACK TO INSURE IMPOSSIBILITY OF
VICTIM'S RETALIATING. — The evidence on record shows that the deceased
Tibay was also armed with a .22 caliber gun when he was chased by the
appellant. In fact, after the fist fight between the two protagonists, Tibay
went out from the canteen ahead of the appellant. The appellant then
followed him after which, at about four (4) meters distance between the two,
while Tibay was trying to hide near a guard the appellant shot him in the
arm. Under this scenario, there was the possibility that the appellant himself
could have been hit by Tibay had the latter drawn his gun and used it before
the appellant shot him. It is evident that in committing the crime, the
appellant did not take any precautionary measures to insure no risk upon
himself. Neither can it be said that the appellant consciously adopted a
mode of attack to insure the impossibility of Tibay's retaliating. Both
protagonists had firearms. It was in an open field where the incident
happened.
5. REMEDIAL LAW; EVIDENCE; TESTIMONY OF WITNESSES;
PROSECUTION BOUND BY DECLARATIONS OF ITS OWN WITNESS WHICH
TEND TO ABSOLVE APPELLANT OF CRIME CHARGED. — In the case of People
v. Cuison, (106 SCRA 98 [1981]), we ruled that "the prosecution is bound by
the declarations of its own witness which tend to absolve the appellant of
the crime charged." The prosecution's evidence confirms the testimony of
the appellant that the subject .45 caliber pistol was issued to him through a
memorandum receipt signed by the commanding officer. Furthermore, when
queried as regards the certification issued by Captain Prudencio Erfe of
Camp Crame that he is not a firearm licensee of the subject .45 caliber
pistol, the appellant answered that "when the entire Philippine Constabulary
Command was divided to regions, the Philippine Constabulary Command
was authorized to issue firearms which was (sic) not reported to Camp
Crame." (p. 196 Tsn, October 7, 1985) His testimony was not refuted.

DECISION

GUTIERREZ, JR., J : p

These cases were originally before us on automatic review arising from

the imposition of the death penalty by the trial court. However, subsequent
to the commutation of death as a penalty to reclusion perpetua pursuant to
the 1987 Constitution, the accused manifested his desire to continue the
cases as appealed cases.
Accused-appellant Virgilio Uribe was charged with the crimes of murder
and illegal possession of firearm in two separate informations filed with the
then Court of First Instance of Leyte. For the crime of murder, the
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 information reads:
"That on or about the 31st day of March, 1982, in the
Municipality of Palo, Province of Leyte, Philippines, and within the
jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, the above-named accused armed
with a .45 Caliber Colt pistol which he had provided himself for the
purpose, with deliberate intent to kill and with evident premeditation,
treachery and superior strength did, then and there wilfully,
unlawfully and feloniously shoot one T2C GASPAR TIBAY, a PC Trainee
thereby inflicting upon the latter the following injuries:
"'Gunshot wound, point of entry, antere lateral portion
of the upper third of the left arm, measuring 1 x 1 x 16 cms
AML directed medialwards and inferiorly fracturing, the
humerus, left, coursing further downwards penetrating the 5th
ICS, left, lacerating the upper lobe of the left lung, apex
portion of the heart, further lacerating the left dome of the
diaphragm, right lobe of the liver, puncturing the stomach
with spillage of food contents, trajecting downwards
lacerating the small intestines with spillage of the fecal
contents, lodging itself at the level of the right lumbar region.
"'Slug recovered on the above area.
"'Gunshot wound, point of entry right iliac region
measuring 1 x 1 x 10 cms CML with the slug lodged at the
bone substance of the right pelvic bone.
"'Slug recovered on the above area.
"'There were approximately 2,000 c.c. of blood and
blood clots found at the thoracic cavity.
"'There were approximately 500 c.c. of blood admixed
with food and fecal contents in the abdominal cavity.
"'Cause of death is cardiac respiratory arrest due to
shock and hemorrhage due to gunshot wounds of the left arm,
trajecting medialwards with lacerating of the lung, heart,
diaphragm, liver, small intestines and gunshot wound of the
right pelvic.'
which vital wounds caused the death of said T2C Gaspar Tibay
immediately thereafter." (Rollo, pp. 9-10).
while the information for the crime of illegal possession of firearm
reads:
"That on or about the 31st day of March, 1982, in the
Municipality of Palo, Province of Leyte, Philippines, and within the
jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, the above named accused, did
then and there wilfully, unlawfully and feloniously possess and have
in his custody and control and which was used in the killing of T2C
GASPAR TIBAY, one .45 Caliber Colt pistol bearing Serial No. 2N —
180716, without first obtaining the corresponding and necessary
license or permit from the government." (Rollo, pp. 26-27). Cdpr

Upon arraignment, the appellant pleaded "NOT GUILTY."

The parties presented conflicting facts regarding the incident which
resulted in the death of Trainee Second Class Gaspar Tibay inside the
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 Philippine Constabulary Headquarters, Camp September 21st Movement
located at Palo, Leyte.
The prosecution's version of the incident is summarized in the People's
brief as follows:
"On March 31, 1982, at about 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon,
appellant Virgilio Uribe, Sgt. Vicente Cabanacan, Sgt. Tobias Lubitos
and an unidentified person entered the July 22nd Canteen at Camp
Petik, RECOM 8, Palo, Leyte, (p. 4, tsn, April 11, 1984) where they
drank a pocket size bottle of Fundador (p. 5, tsn, Feb. 19, 1985).
"Shortly, Sgt. Lubitos and the unidentified person left the July
22nd Canteen (p. 7, tsn, April 11, 1984). After the two (2) had left, the
victim, Gaspar Tibay entered the canteen to borrow a ballpen from
the cashier of the canteen. Sgt. Cabanacan called Tibay and told the
latter to have a seat and offered Tibay a drink (p. 8, tsn, ibid).
"After Tibay had consumed what had been offered to him, Uribe
asked Tibay whether he (Tibay) knows Sgt. Cabanacan. Tibay
answered in the affirmative saying that he had known the sergeant
for quite sometime (p. 8, tsn, April 11, 1985).
"Somehow, the conversation took a sudden turn and there was
an argument between Uribe and Tibay concerning guard duties. Uribe
boxed Tibay. Tibay went out of the canteen but Uribe followed him
outside and boxed Tibay once more. Tibay ran towards the
guardhouse. Uribe went back to the canteen and put his shirt on and
followed Tibay to the guardhouse (pp. 8-9, & 14, tsn, April 11, 1984).
"Sgt. Cabanacan followed suit but before he could reach the
guardhouse he saw Uribe with a drawn .45 cal. pistol. He shouted at
Uribe to stop but it was too late. Uribe fired two (2) shots at Tibay
who fell dead. Uribe surrendered his .45 cal. pistol to Sgt. Cabanacan
(pp., 8-10, tsn, Feb. 19, 1985)." (Rollo, pp. 610-162).
The appellant admitted the killing of Tibay. He, however, claimed self-
defense. His version of the incident is summarized in the Appellant's Brief as
follows: LLjur

"At around 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon on March 31, 1982,

Constable First Class Virgilio Uribe, the appellant herein, went to the
Philippine Constabulary Headquarters, located at Camp September
21st Movement, Palo, Leyte, to verify the details of his tour of duty
that day to commence at 5:00 o'clock on the same afternoon (tsn pp.
3 to 4, Hearing of October 7,1985). Thereafter, he went to the July
22nd Canteen situated inside the Camp to have a snack. After having
a snack, he paid for it and while waiting for the change, Staff
Sergeant Vicente Cabanacan, Jr., arrived. Staff Sgt. Cabanacan
inquired from him as to whether appellant was the Incoming Sergeant
of the Guard for which he answered in the affirmative (tsn p. 4, Ibid).

"Appellant, Staff Sergeant Cabanacan, Sgt. Lubitos and another

comrade of theirs who later arrived, then had a drink of a pocket size
Fundador. While they were drinking, Trainee Second Class, Gaspar
Tibay, the victim herein, arrived. He was invited by Sgt. Cabanacan to
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 join them; then requested to sit down; and offered a drink but he
declined (tsn pp. 5 to 6, Hearing of Oct. 7, 1985; tsn p. 667, Hearing
of April 11, 1984; and tsn p. 6, Hearing of Feb. 10, 1985). Sgt. Lubitos
and his companion then left.
"Gaspar Tibay and the appellant had an argument about guard
duties. For the appellant who was the Incoming Sergeant of the Guard
noted that Gaspar Tibay who was on duty was not in uniform and
appellant admonished him to be in uniform whenever he is on duty
(tsn p. 13, Hearing of April 11,1984; pp. 6 to 7, Hearing of Oct. 7,
1985).
"Gaspar Tibay resented the above admonition made by
appellant, saying 'You have nothing to do with me. You are not my
Commanding Officer, you son of a bitch.' Appellant replied to that by
saying 'Your reply is not good. I am only advising you to be in
uniform.' Instead of answering appellant, Gaspar Tibay 'raised his T-
shirt from his hip' to make it known that he had a firearm and 'moved
to draw said firearm from his hip.' (tsn p. 7 Hearing of Oct. 7, 1985).
Because of that, appellant approached him and they boxed each
other. The deceased fell down to the chair and grappled with
appellant until they reached in front of the July 22nd Canteen where
Tibay was pushed by appellant and was outbalanced (tsn p. 7, Ibid;
tsn p. 8, Hearing of April 11, 1984; and tsn pp. 5 to 6, Hearing of Dec.
5,1983). Sgt. Cabanacan told them to stop it and they did. Gaspar
Tibay went hurriedly 'to the Duty Guard House' trying to get
something from his waist; while appellant Uribe returned to his seat
inside the July 22nd Canteen (tsn p. 6 Hearing of Dec. 15, 1983 and
tsn p. 7, Hearing of Feb. 10, 1985).
"Appellant, momentarily, got up from his seat and went out for
the purpose of informing their Commanding Officer concerning the
actuations of the deceased Gaspar Tibay, and his having a firearm
(Paltic Cal. 22) although he was not authorized to carry such firearm
(tsn p. 8, Hearing of Oct. 7, 1985). While he was already out of the
canteen, he saw Gaspar Tibay still going toward the Guard House (tsn
p. 8, Hearing of Dec. 15, 1983). On reaching the Guard House, Gaspar
Tibay grabbed the armalite rifle from the Guard T2C Carcedo (tsn pp.
3 and 4, Hearing of Oct. 4, 1985), cocked it, positioned himself in the
Guard House and aimed the rifle to appellant Virgilio Uribe who was
then passing by the Guard House enroute to the Office of the
Commanding Officer and when appellant saw the deceased already in
position and about to shoot appellant at a distance of around eight
meters he drew his .45 caliber service pistol from his waist, which
was issued to him by their Supply Officer, Staff Sergeant Vicente
Cabanacan, Jr., approved by their Commanding Officer (tsn p. 12
Hearing of Oct. 7, 1985; and tsn pp. 14 to 17, Hearing of Feb. 19,
1985), chamberload it and fired at the deceased twice, hitting him . .
." (Rollo, pp. 78-81)
With respect to the charge of illegal possession of firearm the
prosecution presented a certification dated April 6, 1984 signed by Captain
Prudencio Erfe, PC, Chief Records Branch Firearm and Explosives Unit, Camp
Crame, Quezon City, to the effect that Pistol Colt Caliber .45 serial number
1807163 used by the appellant in shooting at Tibay was an "unlicensed and
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 unregistered firearm per verification from available records to this Unit as of
this date." The certification was obtained by Mrs. Purificacion E. Tibay, the
mother of the deceased Tibay who testified on the matter. cdrep

On the other hand, the appellant who was connected with the PC for
eight (8) years before the incident testified that the subject .45 caliber pistol
was officially issued to him by his ". . . commanding officer and our staff
sergeant Cabanacan who was the supply officer." (TSN, p. 194, October 7,
1985)
The trial court found the appellant guilty beyond reasonable doubt of
both crimes. As regards the murder charge, the appellant was sentenced to
"suffer the penalty of imprisonment from ten (10) years of prision mayor, as
minimum to TWENTY (20) YEARS of reclusion temporal, as maximum; to
indemnify the heirs of the deceased the sum of P20,000.00 but without
subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency; and to pay the costs of this
case." (Rollo, p. 37) As regards the illegal possession of firearm charge, the
trial court after applying section 1 of Presidential Decree 1866 imposed "the
supreme penalty of death subject to an automatic and final review of the
same by our Supreme Court." (Rollo, p. 38)
The appellant now insists on his claim of self-defense.
Time and again we have stated the principles underlying self-defense
as follows:
"Having admitted the killing, Ongonion must clearly establish
that he acted in self-defense. The burden of proof is now shifted to
him. He must, therefore, rely on the strength of his own evidence and
not on the weakness of the prosecution (People v. Sadie, 149 SCRA
240; and People v. Regulacion, 121 SCRA 40) for even if the latter's
evidence is weak, it could not be disbelieved after the appellant
admitted the killing (People v. Llamera, 51 SCRA 48; People v.
Bauden, 77 Phil. 105; and People v. Ansoyon, 75 Phil. 772).
xxx xxx xxx
". . . For self-defense to prosper, the following elements should
have been proved by appellant: (a) unlawful aggression; (b)
reasonable necessity of the means employed to prevent or repel it;
and (c) lack of sufficient provocation on the part of the person
defending himself (People v. Balmaceda, 148 SCRA 194 [1987]).
(People v. Abagon, 161 SCRA 255 [1988]).
In this case, the appellant insists on his version of the incident as
sustaining his claim of self-defense. He maintains: (1) that in the course of
their argument regarding guard duties, Tibay raised his T-shirt from his hip
to make it known that he had a gun and moved to draw the same; (2) that as
Tibay was going out from the canteen he said "Follow me outside and we will
shoot it out outside." (p. 190, Tsn, October 7, 1985) which amounts to an
unlawful aggression on the part of Tibay; (3) that Tibay grabbed an armalite
from a certain guard Corredo, chamberloaded it, positioned himself in the
Guard House and aimed the same at appellant prompting the appellant to
defend himself by shooting at him first which shows that the appellant was
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 forced to use his .45 caliber service pistol in repelling the aggression and
that in defending his life there was a necessity and he employed reasonable
means; and that (4) there was lack of sufficient provocation on the part of
the appellant because as the incoming sergeant of the Guard that afternoon
of the incident, he had the right to confront the deceased why he was not in
uniform as required by military regulation. prLL

To bolster further his claim of self-defense, the appellant points out the
testimony of medico legal officer Capt. Angel Cordero while on cross-
examination to the effect that "both wounds nos. 1 and 2 sustained by the
deceased could have been sustained while in the act of aiming long firearm
(tsn pp. 19 to 20, Hearing of July 21, 1983). (Rollo, p. 91)
The main issue boils down to the issue of credibility of witnesses. Do
the records sustain the trial court's finding that the evidence for the
prosecution was more credible?
Vicente Cabanacan, then staff sergeant of the PC and stationed at
Regional Command No. 8 and who was with both Uribe and Tibay at the July
22nd canteen during the incident categorically stated that the appellant hit
the victim first (Tsn p. 41, February 10, 1985). This testimony was
corroborated by Genoveva Barredo, cashier of the July 22nd Canteen who
was also present during the incident. (Tsn, p. 77, April 11, 1984). This
evidence negates the appellant's contention that there was unlawful
aggression on the part of Tibay. The appellant was the aggressor. The victim
was running away from him, apparently looking for a safe sanctuary.
The appellant's contention that he was forced to shoot Tibay to defend
himself because he saw the latter armed with an armalite aimed at him is
not worthy of belief. On cross-examination, the appellant testified:
xxx xxx xxx
"Q. Tibay was not able to fire his firearm?
A. No, Sir.
Q. In fact, when you saw Tibay at a distance of 8 meters, when
you shot him he was walking towards the guardhouse?
A. No, sir. When I saw him he was already in position.
Q. What do you mean 'in position'?

A. He was already ready to fire.

Q. While at that time he was already reedy to fire where was
your firearm?
A. It was tucked to my waist.
Q. You had not even cocked the chamber of your firearm when
it was placed at your waist?
A. No, sir, but it is very easy to cock a .45 caliber pistol in time
of danger." (Tsn, October 7, 1985, pp. 196-197)

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 Indeed, the flow of events as testified by the appellant himself is
incredulous. As the trial court aptly observed:
"[T]he accused would like this Court to believe that in spite of the
victim having already aimed the armalite rifle at him, (accused) at
a distance of only eight (8) meters, yet, he was able to fire first at
the victim, inspite of the fact that his (accused's) own pistol was
still uncocked and tucked inside his waist. This can probably
happen only in the movies or in the comics." (Rollo, p. 35)
The medico-legal officer's testimony as regards the position of Tibay
when he was shot based on the injuries he sustained does not in any way
confirm that Tibay was shot while aiming an armalite rifle. The appellant is
trying to read into the doctor's testimony a meaning which is not there.
Captain Angel Cordero, the medico-legal officer testified on cross-
examination as follows: cdrep

xxx xxx xxx

"Q. As indicated by you, this wound No. 1, could this be
possible that this wound was inflicted while the victim was in
a squatting position facing his left side to the assailant?

A. That is possible, sir, if he is squatting.

Q. Like, for example, if he is aiming a long firearm?
FISCAL SANTO:
Already answered — possible.

ATTY. TEVES:
Q. And this wound No. 2, doctor, could it be possible also that
this was inflicted while the victim was also in kneeling or
squatting position?
WITNESS:

Well, it is possible that wound No. 2 could be inflicted while

the victim is in kneeling position, but not in squatting
position." (Tsn, July 21, 1983, pp. 20-21).

As can be gleaned from his testimony, Captain Angel Cordero testified

only as to the possibility that Tibay was shot while in a squatting position. He
did not rule out any other position of Tibay when he was first shot by the
appellant. cdll

It is to be noted that the two other witnesses presented by the

appellant did not at all confirm his version of the incident. The trial court
said:
". . . The testimony of Sgt. Galicia gave the impression that he
was the first one to take hold of the body of the victim and, when he
did so, he found a .22 revolver tucked to the latter's waist. He did not,
however, mention anything about an armalite rifle being in the hands
of said victim. It should likewise be noticed at this point that no .22
revolver was ever presented by the defense to prove this particular
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 point in the theory of the defense. It would seem therefore that the
testimony of his witness did not add anything substantial to favor the
cause of the defense.
"The testimony of M/Sgt. Malogapo is to the effect that
immediately before the shooting he allegedly saw the victim
successfully wrest the possession of an armalite rifle from the guard
at the Camp gate but after he had cocked the same, a shot rang out
and the (victim) fell to the ground. This witness was then among
those who allegedly approached the victim, but he (this witness)
never mentioned seeing T/Sgt. Galicia take a .22 revolver from the
waist of the victim and give the same to a certain M/Sgt. Luquiatan.
"The oral testimony of Sgt. Malogapo is further found
inconsistent with the oral testimony of the accused who categorically
stated in open court that the victim was already aiming the armalite
rifle at him when he was passing the guardhouse at a distance of only
eight meters." (Rollo, p. 35)
It appears clear from the records that the appellant failed to prove his
claim of self-defense. We see no reason to deviate from the well-entrenched
principle that findings of fact of trial courts are entitled to the highest
respect inasmuch as these courts have the privilege of examining the
deportment and demeanor of witnesses and therefore can ascertain if such
witnesses are telling the truth or not. (People v. Abagon, supra).
We, however, do not agree that there was treachery which qualifies
the killing to murder. Section 16, Article 14 of the Revised Penal Code states
that "There is treachery when the offender commits any of the crimes
against the person employing means, methods, or forms in the execution
thereof which tend directly and specially to insure its execution, without risk
to himself arising from the defense which the offended party might make.
Moreover, evidence must be shown that the mode of attack was consciously
adopted by the appellant to make it impossible or hard for the person
attacked to defend himself or retaliate. (People v. Crisostomo, 160 SCRA 47
[1988]). Cdpr

The evidence on record shows that the deceased Tibay was also armed
with a .22 caliber gun when he was chased by the appellant. In fact, after the
fist fight between the two protagonists, Tibay went out from the canteen
ahead of the appellant. The appellant then followed him after which, at about
four (4) meters distance between the two, while Tibay was trying to hide
near a guard the appellant shot him in the arm. Under this scenario, there
was the possibility that the appellant himself could have been hit by Tibay
had the latter drawn his gun and used it before the appellant shot him. It is
evident that in committing the crime, the appellant did not take any
precautionary measures to insure no risk upon himself. Neither can it be said
that the appellant consciously adopted a mode of attack to insure the
impossibility of Tibay's retaliating. Both protagonists had firearms. It was in
an open field where the incident happened. In the case of People v.
Villanueva (161 SCRA 511 [1988]), we said:
"From the fact found by the trial court, it does not appear to us
that Acosta and his companions were completely caught off-guard
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 when the accused-appellant and his companions started chasing
them. The attack against Acosta was not unexpected; in fact, he was
running away from it; and in any case, there was sufficient warning
when Villanueva's group confronted them in a menacing manner, and
with weapons. Moreover, it has not been established that Villanueva
consciously adopted such mode of attack to facilitate the commission
of the offense without risk to himself. On the contrary, the court
believes that the shooting was done on impulse whetted by the
excitement of chase and was not the result of earlier deliberation."
With these findings, we find the appellant guilty beyond reasonable
doubt of the crime of HOMICIDE and not MURDER.
As regards the illegal possession of firearm charge, the Solicitor
General recommends the acquittal of the appellant based on the testimony
given by prosecution witness then Staff Sergeant Vicente Cabanacan of
Regional Command 8. At the time of the incident, Cabanacan was the PC
Supply Officer.
On direct testimony, Cabanacan testified that the .45 caliber pistol
taken from Uribe at the scene of the crime was "a property of the service
department." (Tsn. p. 144, February 19, 1985).
On cross-examination, Cabanacan declared:
Q. "You said also a while ago that you were connected with the
military since August, 1974, and that you were assigned to
the supply headquarters, am I right?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. Do you remember having issued a memorandum receipt for

a .45 caliber pistol for the use of Uribe on February 3, 1982?

A. Yes, sir.
Q. And you signed that memorandum receipt?
A. Yes.
Q. And you had it approved by Major Virgilio I. Bautista, your
commanding officer?
A. Yes. (Tsn, February 19, 1985, pp. 147-148).

During the re-direct examination of Cabanacan, the following

transpired:
FISCAL TOGONON:

Q. That .45 caliber pistol for which you issued a memorandum

receipt to Virgilio Uribe, is that the same .45 caliber pistol
which you mentioned in your affidavit under Question and
Answer No. 13 which I read 'Q — In your capacity as the
supply sergeant do you know the status of the firearm that
CIC Uribe used in shooting T2C Tibay, whether issued by the
Unit or not?

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 A. That was a personally owned firearm of CIC Uribe which he
asked me to make a memorandum receipt.
A. That firearm was surrendered by Uribe to the headquarters
service detachment and it was re-issued to him with a
memorandum receipt.
Q. May we know under what authority as supply officer could
you issue a memorandum receipt?
A. We issue firearms with the approval of the commanding
officer, your Honor. Once approved by the commanding
officer, we issue the firearm.
COURT:
As far as the cross-examination was concerned, he was only
issued a .45 caliber firearm. Why did you have it specified in
the redirect? It strengthens the cross-examination. You pin-
pointed that it was surrendered to the PC and re-issued to
him. On the other hand, there is no 'memorandum receipt . .
. so, that throws your case for illegal possession of firearm
out of the window. No amount of witnesses can save your
case now.

FISCAL TOGONON:
We have already a certification from Camp Crame, Quezon
City, your Honor, that the firearm was unlicensed."

COURT:
The fact is that you brought out on redirect that the firearm
was his, it was surrendered to the PC and reissued to him
with a memorandum receipt. Now, where is that illegal
possession of firearm you are talking about?
FISCAL TOGONON:

That will be all, your Honor." (Tsn, February 19, 1985, pp.
149-151)

There may have been some irregularity in a surrendered firearm being

re-issued to the former holder through a memorandum order. However, the
irregularity cannot be the basis of the penalty of death. cdrep

Considering the evidence, we agree with the recommendation of the

Solicitor General. In the case of People v. Cuison, (106 SCRA 98 [1981]), we
ruled that "the prosecution is bound by the declarations of its own witness
which tend to absolve the appellant of the crime charged." The prosecution's
evidence confirms the testimony of the appellant that the subject .45 caliber
pistol was issued to him through a memorandum receipt signed by the
commanding officer. Furthermore, when queried as regards the certification
issued by Captain Prudencio Erfe of Camp Crame that he is not a firearm
licensee of the subject .45 caliber pistol, the appellant answered that "when
the entire Philippine Constabulary Command was divided to regions, the
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 Philippine Constabulary Command was authorized to issue firearms which
was (sic) not reported to Camp Crame." (p. 196 Tsn, October 7, 1985) His
testimony was not refuted.
WHEREFORE, the judgment appealed from is MODIFIED as follows: (1)
appellant Virgilio Uribe is found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime
of HOMICIDE without any aggravating or mitigating circumstance. The
prescribed penalty is reclusion temporal in its medium period but applying
the Indeterminate Sentence Law, the appellant is hereby SENTENCED to TEN
(10) YEARS and ONE (1) DAY as MINIMUM and SEVENTEEN (17) YEARS and
FOUR (4) MONTHS as MAXIMUM. The Court imposed indemnity is increased
to P30,000.00; and (2) the appellant is ACQUITTED of the crime of illegal
possession of firearm.
SO ORDERED.
Fernan, C.J., Feliciano, Bidin and Cortes, JJ., concur.

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