Revised Penal Code · Destruction of Life

Article 251

Death caused in a tumultuous affray

Unamended since 1930

Current text, as of October 15, 2026

When, while several persons, not composing groups organized for the common purpose of assaulting and attacking each other reciprocally, quarrel and assault each other in a confused and tumultuous manner, and in the course of the affray someone is killed, and it cannot be ascertained who actually killed the deceased, but the person or persons who inflicted serious physical injuries can be identified, such person or persons shall be punished by prision mayor.

If it cannot be determined who inflicted the serious physical injuries on the deceased, the penalty of prision correctional in its medium and maximum periods shall be imposed upon all those who shall have used violence upon the person of the victim.

Consolidated by Alleba from the 1930 text of Act No. 3815 (Lawphil) and the amending Republic Acts in our library. Amendments made by Presidential Decrees, Batas Pambansa or executive orders are not yet included. For information and research only, and not legal advice. This text may not reflect later amendments. For certified copies, refer to the Official Gazette or the issuing agency.