The driver who hit a nurse in Manila surfaces at Manila City Hall on Sept. 3, Thursday. PHOTO/Manila PIO
MANILA, Philippines — The driver who was reportedly behind the hit-and-run incident that killed a nurse in Manila surrendered on Thursday to authorities, Manila City government said.
In a press briefing at Manila City Hall, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno identified the driver as Mohamad Ali Sulaiman.
Sulaiman was the driver of the vehicle that struck Renz Perez at the corner of Padre Burgos and Maria Orosa Streets in Manila last month.
In a text message to INQUIRER.net, Manila Police District director Brig. Gen. Rolly Miranda said they are preparing a complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against the suspect.
Moreno thanked the suspect and his legal counsel for heeding the city government’s call to surrender and face the consequences of his action.
“Nagpapasalamat ako na you heeded the call. Thanks to the lawyer, naging malawak ang isipan na magtiwala ng pamahalaang Lungsod ng Maynila na mabibigyan nang sapat na pagkakataon na ipaliwanag ang sarili at tatanggapin ni Ali Sulaiman kung ano ang magiging katapusan na ito,” Moreno said.
(I thank you for heeding the call. Thanks to the lawyer, he was open to trusting the city government to give them a chance to explain themselves and Ali will accept his consequences.)
Meanwhile, Sulaiman also admitted that his surrender was delayed due to fear.
“Gusto ko humingi ng paumanhin sa nagawa kong aksidente at ako ay hindi muna lumitaw at nadala sa takot,” he said.
(I want to ask for forgiveness for the accident and I did not show up sooner because of fear.)
“Humihingi ako kapatawaran sa nagawa kong aksidente sana mapatawad ninyo ako sa kasalanan ko,” he added.
(I am asking for your forgiveness for what I have done. I hope you can forgive me.)
Sulaiman said he also sought help from his lawyer to coordinate with Moreno.
Sulaiman showed up at Manila City Hall along with his sister Sauda Bacaye, who owned the black pickup that was used by Sulaiman in the accident. Bacaye previously surfaced at Manila police headquarters after authorities tracked the records of the conduction sticker of her truck.
Police said Bacaye has civil liability for owning the vehicle used in the crime. [ac]