24 NPA rebels charged in Absalon cousins’ death

MANILA, Philippines — Police have filed charges against 24 suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels believed to be responsible for the death of former Far Eastern University football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven in Masbate City.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said double murder and frustrated murder charges were filed before the Masbate City prosecutor’s office on Monday.

“Kumuha sila ng mga statements and other pieces of evidence na naging basehan to come up with this complaint,” Eleazar said in an interview over dzRH.

Mariel Suson, who was arrested on Tuesday based on a warrant for murder in relation to another case, was included in the charge sheet.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, Bicol police director, said Suson’s father Rogelio is an NPA official in Masbate.

Eddie Rosero, Lara Lagac, Sonny Diamos, Eddie Eser, Mario Esparaguerra, Capitalio Mallo, Diolito Medina, Arlene Rance, Lloyd Escorel, Ronel Rodio, Jomar Tugbo, Jemuel Dublin, Allan Goyala, Dolores Bilibit, Jhun Bilibit, Lenie Cabarles, Richard Laurio, Rolly Hermina, Gilbert Turing, Jesmar Noel Jesmar, Allan Uling and Marla and Maila, also surnamed Suson, are the other respondents.

Eleazar said he believes they have an airtight case against the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education in Bicol denied earlier reports that Mariel Suson is one of their teachers.

Nene Merioles, schools division superintendent of DepEd-Masbate City, said Mariel applied for a teaching position, but did not qualify.