MANILA, Philippines — The Duterte Youth Partylist is calling on the House of Representatives to demand the surrender or immediate arrest of the perpetrators of the landmine blast in Masbate City that took the lives of two civilians.
In filing House Resolution No. 1905, Duterte Youth Partylist Rep. Ducielle Marie Cardema cited the recent death of Far Eastern University football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven Absalon who were killed in a landmine blast in Masbate City.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) has taken responsibility for the blast.
“The CPP-NPA has a proven history of violence and killings against civilians and government troops and these violent attacks will remain unpunished under the Philippine judicial system. Should the CPP-NPA refuse to surrender them, then the Government must pursue neutralizing them,” Cardema said in the resolution.
Cardema said members of the House should participate in the whole-of-nation approach being implemented by the national government to combat rebel groups.
The lawmaker likewise called on the appropriate committee in the House to probe the recruitment process, financial transactions, and the operations of the CPP-NPA.
“Now therefore, be it resolved as it is hereby resolved by the House of Representatives to condemn the terrorist killings made by the CPP-NPA to a pride of Filipino Youth sector, 21-year old UAAP MVP Keith Absalon and to Nolven Absalon, and attacks to 16-year old Chrisbin Absalon, in Masbate City, and to demand for the surrender or immediate arrest of the perpetrators,” Cardema said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo earlier said those behind the explosion must not only be reprimanded by the CPP-NPA’s tribunal but also be held accountable under the country’s laws.