Naku,this is what we've been talking about in a Progun site... is this hero criminally liable?

If he can prove that they were trying to shoot him while they were driving off with his car, then he is justified in shooting them back.

If he fired the first shot while they were trying to get away from the scene, then he is liable, and he needs a good lawyer.

I've learned that after shooting someone, even if you claimed they were criminals, the relatives can still sue you. In order to extricate yourself from this mess, you must prove that you had to kill the victim because you were defending yourself or your relative. The law does not allow the taking of a life in defense of properties.

Section 1 of Article 11 of Chapter 2 of the Revised penal code states that, in defense of self:
Art. 11. Justifying circumstances. — The following do not incur any criminal liability:

1. Anyone who acts in defense of his person or rights, provided that the following circumstances concur;

First. Unlawful aggression.

Second. Reasonable necessity of the means employed to prevent or repel it.

Third. Lack of sufficient provocation on the part of the person defending himself.
If any one of these conditions is not met, then you have an incomplete case of self-defense and may be held liable. So you better get a good lawyer.

Pag tumakas na kasi yung carnappers, then you are not in immediate danger.