MANILA, Philippines — Communist rebels on Tuesday acknowledged responsibility for the deaths of football athlete Kieth Absalon and his cousin from an IED that exploded in Masbate over the weekend. The Absalon cousins were on bicycles on the morning of June 6 when the blast took place, resulting in their deaths and injuries for relatives who were with them. CPP sought to express remorse over the incident and said it is willing to extend compensation to relatives for their loss. "In this regard, the Masbate incident should not have happened." The Duterte administration has sought to zero in on the movement, but has also shunned peace talks with the rebels.

Source: Philippine Star June 08, 2021 12:33 UTC