MANILA -- The suspect in the hit-and-run incident that killed Filipino cyclist Russel Perez in Thailand has been arrested, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Sunday.
Ambassador to Thailand Mary Jo Bernardo-Aragon said the Royal Thai Police now has Chutiphan Buddawieng in its custody and has charged him with reckless driving causing death and damage, use of illegal drugs, failing to help his victim and inform authorities of the incident, and running a red light.
Aragon has personally expressed her condolences to Perez’s family and said the Embassy will make sure justice will be served.
Perez died while en route to the hospital due to injuries he had sustained shortly after he was struck by Buddawieng’s vehicle while he was competing at the Audax Randonneurs Thailand cycling event in Bangkok on Oct. 23.
The Embassy expedited the repatriation of the remains of Perez, which arrived in Manila on Friday morning and it will continue to monitor the case and provide the needed assistance to the family, the DFA stated. (PNA)
