On December 1, 1968, the victim Rolando Santos died from a masssive brain hemorrhage.

The police
chief, Rolando Centeno allegedly killed Rolando Santos with karate blows. The accused-appellant refuted
the allegations and argued that the victim died from falling and hitting his head on the ground after a
drinking spree.

the prosecution was able to secure the testimonies of dioniso violage and eulogio villanueva, who
witnessed the alleged killing. on the otherhand, the defense presented Mercedes Bautista a forensic
expert which testified that Santos indeed had alcohol in his blood at the time of his death.

issue

Where or not Centeno is guilty of murdering Santos or if santos died from hitting his head due to
intoxication.

ruling

The supreme court upheld the lower court's decision which convicted the accused-appelant of murder.
the court appreciated the aggravating circumstance of treachery as the victim was attacked from behind
leaving him defenseless and unable to retaliate. Doctrine of praeter intentionem was applied in the case
at bar, as a trained individual, he should have already known the lethal effect of karate blow in the nape
of the person's neck. The court also demanded a civil indemnity of 30,000 to the defendant's party.