FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Joint operating troops of 2nd Infantry Battalion, and 9th Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the 9th Infantry “Spear” Division together with Masbate Police Provincial Office neutralized three CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) and seized multiple high-powered firearms in a focused military operation on June 8, 2021, at Brgy. Anas, Masbate City.
With the cooperation of the public, the troops located the CNTs involved in the murder of Far Eastern University Football Player Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven. The Absalon cousins were killed by the New People's Army who senselessly attacked them by detonating an improvised explosive device. Autopsy reports revealed that the cousins also sustained gunshot wounds in their heads and different parts of their bodies.
The 15-minute firefight led to the demise of three enemy individuals and the seizure of 14 M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, one M653 rifle, improvised explosive devices, three bandoliers, CNT documents, and personal belongings.
The Philippine Army continues to serve and work with the public to fulfill its mandate in protecting the people against terroristic acts. #