AFP, PNP to file raps vs NPA for death of civilians in Masbate mine blast

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will file criminal charges against the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who were involved in a landmine explosion in Masbate City that killed college football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin.

AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the AFP assures the relatives of the victims that authorities will relentlessly go after the communist rebels, including their leaders.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, we will bring to the bar of justice the communist terrorist group leadership who ordered the execution and their complicit cohorts,” he said.

Arevalo said the NPA violated the Republic Act 9851, or Philippine Act on crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide and other crimes.

The Communist Party of the Philippines took full responsibility and expressed their “deep remorse” over the incident, adding that it was conducting an internal investigation on the matter.

An improvised explosive device planted by the NPA went off in Brgy. Anas, Masbate City last Sunday, killing football player Kieth and his cousin, labor leader Nolven Absalon.

AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, meanwhile, commended the AFP and PNP personnel from the Southern Luzon Command that killed three alleged NPA rebels who were suspects behind the blast.

JPV