Army, PNP neutralize killer of Absalon cousins

By Ana-Liza Macatangay

PILI, CAMARINES SUR --- Kilusang Larangan Gerilya (KLG) North, Sub-regional Committee (SRC) 4, Bicol Regional Party Committee leader Eddie “Isoy” Rosero aka “Star” was among the four casualties during the recent encounter between the government troopers in Brgy. Jagnaan, San Jacinto, Masbate, Aug 19, Saturday.

“Justice has finally been served to the Absalon family and the rest of the members of the communities who fell prey to the abuses caused by Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members.

The perpetrators behind the tragic killing of football player Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven have answered to the consequences of their actions,” stated Major Frank Roldan, Chief of the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO), in a press release.

In a 30-minute exchange of gunfire with around 20 members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Brgy. Jagnaan, Masbate, the combined forces of the 96th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Masbate successfully neutralized four CTG members, including Eddie Rosero, alias Star, who was responsible for the untimely demise of the Absalons.

During the process of clearing operations carried out by government forces following the exchange of gunfire, the lifeless remains of Rosero, accompanied by another member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), were discovered. Preceding this discovery, two of Rosero's associates were earlier found while an M16 Rifle and an M203 grenade launcher were also recovered at the encounter site.

It will be recalled that on the fateful day of June 6, 2021, two innocent lives – that of former UAAP football player Keith and Masbate electric company labor union leader, Nolven were instantly killed when an improvised explosive planted by CNTs exploded while they were having their morning bike in Brgy. Anas, Masbate.

On June 6, Masbateños commemorated the Absalon’s untimely demise with the launching of the Bike for Peace across the country and inauguration of the Keith Absalon cup.

A prayer was also offered for the repose of the Absalon’s soul through a candle-lighting memorial in front of the Magallanes Coliseum in Masbate City.

On June 6, 2022, a life-size statue of Keith Absalon was unveiled near the entrance of the Masbate Provincial Athletic Grounds, Masbate City to mark the first anniversary of his death.

Despite the triumph of the Philippine Army in its pursuit for peace, Joint Task Force Bicolandia and 9th Infantry “SPEAR” Division Commander Major General Adonis Bajao extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased CTG members.

Following this, MGen Bajao reiterated his call to the remaining CTG members to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law and refuse to be manipulated by misguided ideologies.

The 9ID Commander also expressed the government’s sincerity in offering opportunities to CTG members who wanted to abandon the decade long senseless fight, including its offered assistance under the Enhanced - Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). (With reports from DPAO, PA/ PIA Masbate-PIA 5)