A promising football player’s life was cut short by an explosion from an improvised explosive device in Masbate City Sunday morning.
Philippine football lost a promising player with the death last Sunday (June 7) of Far Eastern University’s Kieth Absalon, who was hit by shrapnel from an improvised explosive device in Masbate City.
Absalon, a 21-year-old a former UAAP football juniors Most Valuable Player, was cycling in Purok 4, Barangay Anas when the explosion occurred at around 6:45 a.m., according to a report of the Masbate police.
He was killed alongside his 40-year-old cousin, Nolven Absalon, while the latter’s son, Chrisbin Daniel Absalon, was hospitalized due to injuries.
Absalon last suited up for the FEU seniors’ team and the Malaya Football Club.
"Our hearts are broken as we bid farewell to a brilliant player of #MalayaFC and FEU men's football team," Malaya FC said in a tweet.
"A born leader, follower of the highest order, a kind, gentle, and respectful soul. Thank you for everything, #KiethAbsalon. Rest easy in that big football pitch in the sky."
In his time in the amateur circuit, Absalon was an instrumental piece for FEU in both the high school and collegiate football teams. He was a multi-titled booter with the Baby Tamaraws and was even named UAAP Juniors MVP in Season 78.
His last stint with the green-and-gold came in Season 82 as a starter for the FEU men's football squad.
Absalon made his presence felt in the international scene as well when he played for the Philippine under-19 team that represented the country in the 2018 AFF Under-19 Championship in Indonesia.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a manhunt for those behind the blast, which are believed to be members of the rebel group New People's Army (NPA).
“I am directing the local police to coordinate with the military and launch manhunt operations against the suspects,” PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.
“Hindi po kami titigil hangga’t hindi nabibigyan ng hustisya ang mga inosenteng nasawi at nasugatan sa pagsabog na ito,” he added.
Tags: #Masbate, #landmine, #football, #KiethAbsalon