The qualifying circumstance of abuse of superior strength was properly and correctly appreciated by the court a quo as this is plainly evident from the fact that the unarmed victim was set upon by his seven armed attackers, stabbed in the back and boxed, kicked and clubbed into senselessness. The felons were able to commit their dastardly act without the former being able to put up any defense. Thus, even in the absence of treachery, abuse of superior strength would still qualify the killing to murder, and there being no aggravating or mitigating circumstance present, the penalty of reclusion perpetua meted out to accused-appellants stands. [G.R. No. 92153. December 16, 1996]
