Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar ordered pursuit operations against members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) who perpetrated the Masbate City bombing, which killed a Far Eastern University football player and his cousin.
“Again, lives were lost because of the hostile acts of this communist terrorist group. Iyong isa sa mga inosenteng sibilyan na naging biktima ng pagsabog, si Keith Absalon, malayo pa sana ang mararating kung ‘di dahil sa mga teroristang NPA,” Eleazar said.
“Mariin naming kinokondena ang pambibiktima ng NPA sa mga inosenteng sibilyan at hindi kami titigil sa pagtugis sa mga teroristang ito,” he said. “Nakikiramay po ang buong PNP sa mga pamilya ng mga nasawi sa insidente.”
Sen. Richard Gordon has called on the police force to obtain justice for the senseless death of Keith and his cousin Nolven, as he lamented the continued killings in the country. A minor was also injured in the incident.
Reports said the improvised explosive device (IED) exploded while the victims were cycling in Barangay Anas.
Meanwhile, Eleazar tasked the local police to enhance visibility in the area to ensure the safety of residents.
“I am directing all police personnel, particularly in NPA-infested areas, to be on high alert and undertake target hardening measures for possible future attacks by these communist terrorists,” he said.
“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 added. (PNP-PIO) – jlo
