The University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Football Federation have expressed their condolences to the family of Far Eastern University footballer, Kieth Absalon, who was killed by a mine blast believed to have been planted by the New People’s Army in Masbate City.
Absalon, who played midfielder for the Tamaraws, was killed Sunday after an anti-personnel land mine exploded while he and cousin Nolven, along with the latter’s son, were biking in Barangay Anas, Masbate City.
“The University Athletic Association of the Philippines extends its condolences to the family of Far Eastern University football player Kieth Absalon,” the UAAP said in a statement Sunday night.
Absalon was named the Most Valuable Player during the 2016 juniors’ football event after leading FEU-FERN to the title.
He even scored a goal during the team’s 6-1 mauling of Ateneo in the final.
His stellar high school career led him to a spot in the Azkals’ under-19 squad that played in the 2018 AFF U-19 Championships.
“It is heartbreaking to see a promising player’s future in Kieth Absalon cut short due to a terrible incident,” PFF president Nonong Araneta said in a separate statement.
“As one of the national youth team players privileged to have represented the country, it pains us to see Kieth miss out on what could have been an even brighter future ahead of him,” secretary general Ed Gastanes added.
“Kieth brought pride and honor to the UAAP and FEU by representing the country in international tournaments,” the UAAP added.*PNA
