By Antonio Luis Carreon

Several public officials have demanded punishment of the involved suspects of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) leading to the death of Far Eastern University (FEU) football star, Keith Absalon and his cousin, Novel Absalon in Masbate City.

Since the incident, the CPP-NPA has been under fire after the PNP blamed the group for the usage of Anti-personnel landmines. 

“Hustisya ang hinihiling ng pamilya ng mga biktima at hindi lang public apology. Kung talagang seryoso ang CPP-NPA sa kanilang panlulumo, isuko nila sa amin ang mga nagplano’t gumawa ng pag-atake na ito (The victims’ families are seeking justice, and not just a mere public apology.  If the CPP-NPA is sincere with their remorse, they should turn over those who planned and executed this attack),” PNP Chief Eleazar stated.

Further, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año, and Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo had also released their statements.

In his statement, Año condemned the actions of the communist group, urging them to turn over the members involved to such deaths. 

“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 may be served to their families and loved ones,” Año said.

Meanwhile, VP Robredo condemned the use of explosive landmines and described it as ‘inhumane’, citing the 1997 Ottawa Treaty that bans the use of such devices. 

Two days after the incident, the communist group confirmed and took full responsibility for the detonation, causing two deaths.

"We fervently hope that the Absalon family, their relatives and friends, and the entire Filipino people can accept our profoundest apologies, self-criticism, and willingness to extend any appropriate form of indemnification,” CPP-NPA Chief Information Officer Marco Valbuena on his tweet addressing the issue.

As of writing, the CPP-NPA has yet to name the members of their organization that would be held liable for the incident.