The Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army expressed their deepest regret over the death of Far Eastern University Tamaraw Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven.
In a statement released by the CPP, it took full responsibility regarding the incident that happened in Masbate City last Sunday that saw two deaths and an injury.
The statement did not state whether members of the group shot the Absalon cousins or were victims of a landmine explosion, though.
“The entire Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army express their deep remorse over the untimely and unnecessary deaths of cousins Kieth and Nolven Absalon and injury to others resulting from errors in the military action mounted by an NPA unit in Barangay Anas, Masbate City last Sunday,” the statement read.
“The entire CPP and NPA take full responsibility for the tragedy. There is no justification for the aggravation this has caused the Absalon family,” it continued.
“We fervently hope that the Absalon family, their relatives, friends, and the entire Filipino people can accept our profound apologies, self-criticism, and willingness to extend any form of indemnification.”
Kieth, Norben, and 16-year-old Chrisbin were biking along Pook 4 early on Sunday morning when an explosion occurred.
The Absalon family has claimed that Kieth and Norben survived the explosion but were shot by members of the group.
The Philippine National Police have been conducting a manhunt operation on the perpetrators since Monday.
“The lessons that will be drawn should guide the NPA to avoid such unfortunate incidents in the future and strengthen its resolve to serve and defend the people.”
Kieth, 21, was in his sophomore year in FEU and was one of the brightest young prospects in football.
