PNP orders manhunt for suspects in Masbate blast

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched on Monday a manhunt for those behind the improvised explosive device (IED) that exploded in Masbate City, which killed a football player and his cousin.

Reports said that the victim, Keith Absalon, 21, a football player from Far Eastern University, was with his cousin Nolven Absalon, 40, when an IED exploded while they were cycling in Barangay Anas, Masbate City, on Sunday morning.

A minor was also injured in the incident.

“I am directing the local police to coordinate with the military and launch manhunt operations against the suspects,” PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.

“Hindi po kami titigil hangga’t hindi nabibigyan ng hustisya ang mga inosenteng nasawi at nasugatan sa pagsabog na ito,” he added.

(We will not stop until justice is served for the innocent victims of this explosion.)

Eleazer condemned the alleged perpetrators of the planted IED, the New People’s Army (NPA).

“Mariin naming kinokondena ang pambibiktima ng NPA sa mga inosenteng sibilyan at hindi kami titigil sa pagtugis sa mga teroristang ito,” he said.

(We strongly condemn the NPA’s victimizing of innocent civilians and we will not stop pursuing these terrorists.)

The chief police then tasked the local police to enhance visibility in “NPA-infested” areas to ensure the safety of residents.

“I am directing all police personnel, particularly in NPA-infested areas, to be on high alert and undertake target hardening measures for possible future attacks by these communist terrorists,” Eleazar said.

JE