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PEOPLE vs Carmelo Catbagan

PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES, appellee, vs. CARMELO CATBAGAN, appellant.

G.R. Nos. 149430-32 | 2004-02-23

D E C I S I O N 

PANGANIBAN, J.: 

There can be no self-defense, whether complete or incomplete, unless the victim had committed unlawful aggression against the person who resorted to self-defense. 

The Case 

Carmelo Catbagan appeals the May 19, 1999 Decision[1] of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Malolos, Bulacan (Branch 21), in Criminal Case Nos. 1082-M-98, 1083-M-98 and 1099-M-98. In these cases, he was convicted of homicide, murder and frustrated murder, respectively. 

The decretal portion of the RTC Decision reads as follows: 

"In sum and considering the foregoing findings, the Court hereby resolves and so...