Kieth Absalon —PHOTO FROM NATHALIE ABSALON’S FACEBOOK PAGE
MANILA, Philippines—Several members of the Senate mourned the death of Far Eastern University footballer Kieth Absalon who was killed in a roadside explosion in his hometown of Masbate City.
Absalon and his cousin Nolven perished when an improvised explosive device was detonated along the road in Barangay Anas while biking with their family.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Panglinan said Absalon would’ve done greater things for Philippine sports after already building a foundation with FEU’s high school program.
“Kalaro ng pamangkin ko sa football si Kieth. Napakagaling daw. Malaking kawalan sa pamilya at sa bayan si Kieth. Ang layo pa sana ng mararating niya,” said Pangilinan in a statement.
(He plays football with my nephew and he told me that Keith was a great player. Keith is a big loss not only for his family but for the country. He could’ve gone on to bigger things.)
“He has brought pride and honor to his school and the country through his sports. The country’s football community grieves his death,” added Pangilinan.
Absalon, who suited up for Malaya FC outside varsity leagues, was the UAAP Season 78 juniors MVP and was a member of the Philippine team that played in the AFF Under-19 Championships in Indonesia.
The midfielder has since become a member of FEU’s senior team.
‘NPA should be prosecuted’
Senator Risa Hontiveros said that the New People’s Army should be prosecuted for its actions since the Communist Party of the Philippines’ armed wing has already taken responsibility for the action.
“I stand in solidarity with the families of Keith and Nolven Absalon and strongly condemn the senseless violence that took their innocent lives,” said Hontiveros. “Now that the CPP-NPA has taken full responsibility, a swift accounting of this appalling tragedy is now in order. The perpetrators must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
In its own statement, the CPP-NPA took full responsibility for the death of the Absalon cousins and even asked forgiveness from the victims’ families.
Raymundo Buenfuerza, the spokesperson of the NPA Romulo Jallores Command (RJC) operating in Bicol, said the explosion was an error during their supposed attack on government forces.
“The NPA takes full responsibility for the errors it committed when it mounted an offensive against government forces that led to the death of Keith and his cousin Nolven,” said Buenfuerza. “We ask for forgiveness to the family and the public.”
Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon, meanwhile, said that what the NPA did was equivalent to war crimes under the International Humanitarian Law.
The Philippines has adopted the International Humanitarian Law through Republic Act No. 9851.
“We must strive to resolve this long-standing insurgency and work for lasting peace, so we freely develop our economy and make a better country,” said Gordon.