Former UAAP football juniors Most Valuable Player Kieth Absalon was killed on Sunday morning after an explosion in Masbate City, Masbate, according to multiple reports. He was 21.
Absalon, who plays for the FEU Tamaraws men's football team and Malaya FC, and cousin Nolven Absalon were killed after being hit by shrapnel from an improvised explosive device, according to police. Nolven's 16-year-old son survived, but also sustained injuries and was hospitalized.
In a statement, the Philippine National Police-Bicol accused the New People's Army of planting the IED.
"Our hearts are broken as we bid farewell to a brilliant player of #MalayaFC and FEU men's football team. 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," said Malaya FC in a tweet.
The rising football star was a major contributor to some of the championship squads of the dynastic FEU Baby Tamaraws team. He was hailed as UAAP Season 78 Juniors MVP, and also bagged the Best Defender and Striker awards. After winning multiple juniors titles, he decided to stay with FEU's football seniors squad.
Absalon was also a part of the Philippine under-19 team that competed in the 2018 AFF Under-19 Championship in Indonesia. His sister plays for UST while younger brother Karl is also part of FEU's football program.