THE COMMISSION on Human Rights urged the New People’s Army to surrender its members responsible for the killing of football player Keith Absalon and his cousin in Masbate.

The commission said that owning up to a crime is not enough.

“If the New People’s Army is serious and sincere about taking accountability for the killing of Keith Absalon and his cousin in Masbate — beyond owning responsibility, offering indemnity, and promising an investigation — they should identify all those responsible and surrender them to the lawful authorities to face justice within the court system,” it said.

“They should likewise be held accountable for all other crimes they have perpetrated in violation of international humanitarian and human rights laws since they began pursuing this armed conflict,” it added.

Keith, former UAAP football Most Valuable Player, and Nolven Absalon were killed in a blast while biking in Barangay Anas last June 6. Also injured was Nolven’s 16 year-old-son.

The CHR condemned the use by the rebel group of anti-personnel landmine, saying it violates the International Humanitarian Law.

“As we demand transparency and accountability from the government, we demand the same from the NPA. We reiterate as an independent national human rights institution that respect for human rights and international humanitarian law at all times is the foundation for a just and lasting peace,” it said.

“We continue to condemn all forms of violence that tramples on the rights and dignity of all persons. In this regard, we urge the government to ensure that perpetrators are held to account under existing laws,” the commission added.