BY MINKA TIANGCO
The suspect in a hit-and-run incident that killed a 23-year-old nurse in Manila surrendered to the office of the city mayor on Thursday.
Police identified the suspect as Mohammad Ali Sulaiman, brother of Saudah Bacaye – the confessed owner of the black Mitsubishi pick-up truck that ran over nurse Renz Jayson Perez on Aug. 23 along Maria Orosa Street.
Sulaiman asked for forgiveness from Perez’s family, saying that he fled the area out of fear.
“Humihingi po ako ng paumanhin, kapatawaran sa nagawa kong aksidente. Sana mapatawad niyo ko sa aking nagawang kasalanan,” he said.
Bacaye also said that they will help the bereaved family.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno received the suspect at his office and expressed relief that Perez will now receive justice.
“Kung nasaan man si Renz ngayon, sana kapiling niya ang Panginoong Diyos at ang kaluluwa niya ay pumanatag dahil,” he said.
“’Pag nangyayari ‘yung mga ganyan, hindi basta-basta mapapabayaan,” he added.
But Ricardo Perez, the late nurse’s father, was firm that he will continue to press charges against the suspect.
“Itutuloy ko po ang laban. Sa korte nalang kami mag-usap,” he told Manila Bulletin-Tempo in a phone call.
According to police reports, Perez was riding his newly-bought mountain bike when he was hit by the can Sulaiman was driving.
The black pick-up truck was seen speeding off towards Delpan Bridge after the incident.
Moreno immediately called for the surrender of the suspect after receiving the report.
Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda, Manila Police District chief, said civil charges will be filed against Bacaye while Sulaiman will be facing charges for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
