Voluntary surrender as a mitigating circumstance

Dear PAO,

My friend was suspected of killing his live-in partner, Nicole. Eventually, Nicole's mother filed a complaint against my friend. He talked to me and argued that Nicole's death was an accident. I would like to ask about the possible implication should my friend voluntarily surrender before the warrant of arrest is issued. Is there any possibility that he might be exonerated from the crime charged?

Chito

Dear Chito,

Should there be a valid voluntary surrender, it will be merely considered as a mitigating circumstance; it will not exonerate your friend from the commission of the crime. As a consequence of which, it will lower the imposable penalty for the crime charged.