INTERIOR Secretary Eduardo Año yesterday told the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, to turn over to authorities the rebels behind the death of Far Eastern University football star Kieth Absalon and his cousin, who were killed by a landmine blast in Masbate City last Sunday.
Ano issued the demand after the CPP and NPA took responsibility for the death of Kieth Absalon, 21; his cousin Nolven, 40; and the wounding of Nolven’s 16-year-old son, Chrysvine Daniel.
“Now that the CPP/NPA has accepted full responsibility for the senseless murder, it now becomes their duty to turn over the terrorists responsible for the deaths so that justice maybe served to their families and loved ones,” said Año.
“They can turn over the suspects to the Commission on Human Rights or to their allies in the Makabayan Bloc who are serving in Congress if they prefer so long as they face trial in a court of law,” Año said, adding the CHR and the DILG will guarantee the safety of the suspects during their trial.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, meanwhile, said those responsible for the land mine blast may be held liable not only for murder but also for violation of the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
“Those responsible for the land mine explosion may be held liable for murder, violation of the anti-terrorism law, and violation of the Philippine act on crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide, and other crimes against humanity,” Guevarra said.
“The ends of justice require that those responsible must be held accountable for their crimes against the people under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines,” Año said, adding the public can never trust any investigation conducted by the CPP/NPA.
Año added that the Makabayan Bloc, a group of leftist lawmakers in the House of Representatives, should demand the turnover of the suspects in keeping with their sworn duty as government officials and lawmakers. He said this is the least the Makabayan Bloc can do for the families and loved ones of the victims who continue to cry for justice
In a statement, the CPP and NPA said they are taking responsibility for the attack and expressed “deep remorse” over the deaths “resulting from errors in the military action mounted by an NPA unit” in Barangay Anas.
The Absalons were on their bikes when they ran into the landmine planted by NPA rebels in Barangay Anas.
The Bicol Regional Police Office initially said Kieth is a nephew of Nolven. The military said Kieth and Nolven are actually cousins, based on interviews with the relatives of the victims.
AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the CPP’s apology and offer to indemnify the Absalon families “remains to be seen.”
“They have committed similar crimes in the past and admitted to have perpetrated the dastardly acts. But they have not done anything since to compensate the victims but empty promises or claims of indemnification,” said Arevalo.
On Tuesday, pursuing troops clashed with the perpetrators in Barangay Anas. The firefight led to the death of three rebels and recovery of three rifles. A subsequent pursuit operation yielded 12 more rifles.
The Department of Interior and Local Government lashed out at leftist Kabataan party list Rep. Sara Elago for using the death of Absalon in her call for government to resume peace negotiations with the communists.
DILG undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya said the call of Elago was “distasteful” and “repulsive.
In her Twitter account on Tuesday, Elego condemned the NPA operation that led to the deaths but added it’s now time for government to resume peace talks and end armed rebellion in the country.
President Duterte issued a proclamation in November 2017 terminating talks with the communists. In March 2019, Duterte said he was permanently ending the negotiations. — With Ashzel Hachero
