SC takes judicial notice of witness' reluctance in getting involved in a criminal case

The fact that Vistal did not immediately reveal to the authorities what he knew of the killing does not affect his credibility. It is not uncommon for a witness to a crime to show reluctance about getting involved in a criminal case, as in fact the natural reticence of most people to get involved is of judicial notice. This is especially true in this case where the parties involved are not just townmates but immediate neighbors. [G.R. No. 110109. November 21, 1996]