By Darryl John Esguerra

Keith Absalon (Photo courtesy of Far Eastern University)

MANILA – Authorities have arrested a high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) member allegedly involved in the murder of Far Eastern University (FEU) football player Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven Absalon in Masbate City in June 2021.

Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Bicol region led the operation that led to the arrest of the suspect identified as “Onang” on Jan. 6.

A warrant of arrest in connection with the Absalon murders was issued against Onang and 23 others by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) 5th Judicial Region, Branch Masbate City.

Onang is charged with multiple crimes, including violations of the International Humanitarian Law and Other Crimes Against Humanity (RA 9851), two counts of murder, and one count of attempted murder.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) lauded the arrest of Onang, calling it a “significant breakthrough in the nation’s fight against insurgency and criminality.”

“The capture of ‘Onang’ is a clear message to all who seek to disrupt peace and commit heinous crimes under the guise of ideology. The long arm of the law will find you, and justice will prevail,” NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement Saturday evening.

Keith Absalon, who was one of the country’s most celebrated football players in high school, and his cousin were victims of an improvised explosive device blast while riding bicycles in Masbate in 2021.

“Keith Absalon’s murder was a monstrous act that shocked the nation and underscored the ruthless tactics of the NPA. Today, we are one step closer to justice for Keith, Nolven, and their grieving families,” Torres said. (With Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)