FEU Tamaraw football player killed in blast

The Philippine football community is mourning the loss of Keith Absalon. (Mia Montayre/tiebreakertimes.com)

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The shocking news devastated the sports community of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

One of the greatest young talents in football that they ever had, Keith Absalon was reported to be a casualty of a landmine explosion in Purok 4, Barangay Anas in Masbate.

The 21-year-old was confirmed biking with his cousin “Nolven” and nephew “Chrisbin” when the explosion happened.

“Kieth wasn’t just a player to us. He’s part of our FEU football family. We are all grieving his loss. Messages in our chat group are clear, he will never be forgotten,” said FEU football program head Vince Santos.

Absalon was a part of the historic FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws squad that won a stellar 10 straight UAAP High School Boys’ Division championship.

The native of Masbate was also a member of the Philippine national team that competed in the 2018 AFF U-19 Championship in Indonesia.

His talent despite his young age was the reason why Santos and the FEU football coaching staff decided to absorb him until his college years.

“His brother Karl is still with us and we will do our best to support him in continuing towards achieving what his brother always wanted,” added Santos.