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. He is the brother of Saudah Bacaye, who recently surfaced as the owner of the black Mitsubishi pick-up truck that hit Renz Jayson Perez.
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 (I am asking for forgiveness for the accident that I caused. I hope you forgive me for what I have done)," he said.
Bacaye also said that they will help the bereaved family.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, who received the suspect in his office, said he is happy 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 (Wherever Renz is right now, I hope he is with God and that his soul will be at peace because) I think the case is now, at least, in a way, resolved," he said.
"'Pag nangyayari 'yung mga ganyan, hindi basta-basta mapapabayaan (When these kinds of things happen, they will not be neglected)," 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 na lang kami mag-usap (I will continue the fight. We will talk to each other in court)," he told Manila Bulletin in a phone call.
According to police reports, Perez was riding his newly-bought mountain bike along Maria Orosa Street in Ermita, Manila on Aug. 23 when he was hit by Sulaiman.
The black pick-up truck was seen speeding off toward Delpan Bridge after the incident.
Domagoso called for the surrender of the suspect after receiving reports of the incident on Aug. 27.
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.