Kieth Absalon’s dream of the future won’t come true now that he’s been killed in a roadside explosion. PHOTO/ UAAP
MANILA, Philippines—Kieth Absalon could have been a regular member of the Philippine Azkals, with accolades already attached to his name at such a young age.
However, the future Absalon envisioned will not be realized now that he has been killed in a roadside explosion in his hometown of Masbate.
The New People’s Army, the Communist Party of the Philippines’ armed wing, took full responsibility for the incident that killed Absalon.
A stellar career with Far Eastern University led to the 21-year-old midfielder being named to the starting 11 for UAAP Season 82.
Absalon joined an FEU team that was already loaded with titles and he was part of the Baby Tamaraws program that won 10 straight UAAP high school titles from Seasons 73 to 82.
The midfielder was also the Season 78 MVP.
As a player outside the UAAP, Absalon was part of the Philippine U-19 team that competed in the 2018 AFF Championship in Indonesia. He received the Super Kid Award of the Philippines Olympic Committee in 2017.
Absalon, a scoring threat from midfield, then signed with Malaya FC.
The UAAP and the Philippine Football Federation have mourned the loss of Absalon, while senators Risa Hontiveros, Richard “Dick” Gordon, and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan condemned his death.