Police recently arrested a New People’s Army amazon allegedly involved in the murder of Far Eastern University football player Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven Absalon in Masbate City in June 2021.
Police Regional Office-5 (Bicol) chief Police Brig. Gen. Andre P. Dizon identified the suspect as Onang, 41, of Barangay Matagbac, Milagros, Masbate.
Dizon said the suspect who was arrested on Jan. 6 in San Fernando, Masbate is the region’s No. 1 most wanted person and an active member of Squad 3, Platoon 1, Kilusan Larangan Gerilya (KLG) North, Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC4).
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict lauded the arrest of Onang.
“The capture of ‘Onang’ is a clear message to all who seek to disrupt peace and commit heinous crimes under the guise of ideology. The long arm of the law will find you, and justice will prevail," said NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. in a statement.
Torres said Onang will be made accountable for her alleged involvement in the deaths of Absalon, 21, and Nolven.
“Keith Absalon’s murder was a monstrous act that shocked the nation and underscored the ruthless tactics of the NPA. Today, we are one step closer to justice for Keith, Nolven, and their grieving families,” added Torres who cited the military and the police for their efforts in arresting Onang.
KEITH Absalon
Onang was apprehended on a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court in Masbate City.
Twenty-three others were also issued warrants in connection with the incident. Among the suspects was Eddie Rosero, alias Star and the secretary and political instructor of KLG North, SRC 4, who was killed in an encounter on Aug. 19, 2023 in San Jacinto, Masbate.
Onang also faces multiple charges.
Absalon started his football career with the Far Eastern University (FEU) in 2013 at the age of 13.
He was a former UAAP juniors football Most Valuable Player with FEU and once played for the national U-19 squad.