In a separate statement on Monday, AFP Chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana also condemned the attack, saying it was a “violation of the International Humanitarian Law.”
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 7) — The Philippine National Police is pursuing members of the New People’s Army allegedly responsible for the death of a student athlete of the Far Eastern University in a blast in Masbate City.
“It is a clear manifestation of their (the NPA) anti-people and anti-development ways that are worthy of the Filipino’s condemnation,” said Sobejana.
Police reported that 21-year-old football player Keith Absalon and his cousin were killed on Sunday while they were cycling along Barangay Anas, where NPA members supposedly detonated an improvised explosive device.
PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar on Monday ordered a manhunt operation and tasked the local police to enhance visibility in the area.
“I am directing the local police to coordinate with the military and launch manhunt operations against the suspects. Hindi po kami titigil hangga’t hindi nabibigyan ng hustisya ang mga inosenteng nasawi at nasugatan sa pagsabog na ito,” he said.
[Translation: We will not stop until we give justice to the innocent who were killed and wounded in this explosion.]
The military also said in a statement that troops were ordered to hunt down the perpetrators and tighten security measures in the area following the explosion of what it described as an anti-personnel mine.
