OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE REGIONAL TASK FORCE REGION 5 - KATUNINONGAN ASIN KAUSWAGAN ON THE DEATH OF
As head of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Regional Task Force Region 5 - Katuninongan asin Kauswagan, we deeply express our deepest sympathy to the untoward and regrettable death of KIETH ABSALON and cousin NOLVEN ABSALON after a planted Improvised Explosive Device (IED) of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New Peoples’ Army (CPP-NPA) went off when the said victims were cycling along Brgy. Anas, Masbate City last 6 Jung 2021, Sunday.
The NTF-ELCAC Region 5 strongly condemns the death of these innocent civilians as this is not an isolated case committed by the CPP-NPA. Similar attacks took place where civilians in Homapon, Legazpi City sustained injuries due to the NPA’s roadside explosion. The protection of civilian lives and properties is not in the books of the CPP-NPA.
Countless attacks and unnecessary bloodshed on several NPA ambushes were significantly recorded. 18 January 2021 where 3 soldiers were ambushed in Legazpi City while riding a motorcycle, 24 June 2020 - 1 cop died, 3 others injured in an ambush in Jovellar, 30 July 2020 - IED explosion damaging a construction vehicle in the new airport project in Daraga and similar incidents in 2017 among many others.
The dastardly incident is a reprehensible waste of human lives contrary to the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that every human being has the inherent right to life. Under international humanitarian law the indiscriminate use of IEDs against civilians is strictly abhorred and condemned. In claiming the killing and taking full responsibility of the crime must come with it the proper administration of justice. The pretentious remorse and mere offering of monetary compensation are a mockery of our laws and a desperate appeal for public sentiment.
We call on all Bicolanos to raise one voice in showing distaste in this heinous crime committed by the CPP-NPA. We should not be scared by their terroristic acts and always demonstrate unwavering opposition to their cause which further hinders peace, development and progress in this region and the whole nation.
We urge the public to provide police and military authorities with evidence-based information for the administration of justice for KIETH ABSALON and cousin NOLVEN ABSALON and we highly urge the members of the CPP-NPA who are responsible for these attacks to surrender to the government.
Tapusin na ang 52 taong patulog na hidwaan ng CPP-NPA-NDF at gobyerno at magkaisa para sa katuninongan asin kauswayan!