Number, nature of injuries determine self-defense

The elements or requisites of self-defense as a justifying circumstance are (1) unlawful aggression on the part of the victim; (2) reasonable necessity of the means employed to prevent or repel it; and (3) lack of sufficient provocation on the part of the person defending himself. Accused-appellant Danilo Balamban miserably failed to prove these elements. On the contrary, the overwhelming evidence provided by the testimonies of Nelly de los Reyes and police officers Tejada and Valeza, which the trial court gave full credence to, established that the accused-appellants were the aggressors. Strengthening further this finding is the physical evidence consisting of the number and nature of the injuries sustained by Sonny Solo as against the superficial injuries sustained by Danilo, which were most likely inflicted when the deceased grappled for possession of Danilo's bolo; and the absolute absence of any improper or ulterior motive which could have induced the said witnesses to testify falsely against the accused-appellants. [G.R. No. 119591. November 21, 1996]