The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) announced on Saturday that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has apprehended a suspect in the 2021 killing of footballer Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven.
In a press release, the NTF-ELCAC commended the recent arrest of alias “Onang,” who was also a suspected high-ranking member of the New People’s Army (NPA) and one of the most wanted individuals in the Bicol Region. Onang was apprehended during a police operation in San Fernando, Masbate.
“Today, we are one step closer to justice for Keith, Nolven, and their grieving families,” said NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr.
The operation was conducted based on arrest warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) 5th Judicial Region, Branch Masbate City. Warrants for Onang and 23 others were related to the Absalon case.
Onang faces multiple charges, including violations of the International Humanitarian Law and Other Crimes Against Humanity (RA 9851), under Criminal Case Nos. 21293 and 21294, with bail set at PHP 200,000 each.
Additionally, she is charged with two counts of murder under Criminal Case Nos. 21295 and 21296, for which no bail was recommended, and one count of attempted murder under Criminal Case No. 21297, with bail set at PHP 120,000.
Keith Absalon, 21, and his cousin were victims of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast while riding bicycles with family members in Masbate.
Keith began his football career with Far Eastern University (FEU) in 2013 as a 13-year-old aspirant and became one of the program’s most celebrated high school players.
He earned multiple Midfielder of the Year awards, was named MVP of UAAP Season 78, and became a six-time UAAP champion in high school football – the most titles achieved by any player in the league’s history. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
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