Albay broadcaster dies after gun attack
By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Samar on Tuesday confirmed that Albay broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar had passed away, a day after he was shot by an unidentified gunman along Maharlika Highway in Guinobatan, Albay.
Maj. Maria Luisa Tino, spokesperson of SITG Samar, said Samar died around 2 p.m. following a medical procedure at the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) in this city.
(Photo from FB page of ex-Rep. Joey Salceda)
“Based on the second progress report regarding the criminal investigation of the shooting incident involving Noel Samar, a local media practitioner on or about 2 pm of Oct. 21, 2025 confined at BRHMC, Daraga, Albay was pronounced dead by attending physician Dr. Krisha Riosa,” Tino said.
Samar, 54, affiliated with Kadunong ITV and radio station DWIZ, sustained gunshot wounds to the left side of the chest and abdomen after he was attacked along Maharalika in Barangay Morera, Guinobatan, Albay yesterday, October 20.
The Philippine National Police had formed SITG Samar to focus on the investigation of the incident.
Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) Executive Director Jose Torres Jr. extended his condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Samar.
Torres assured that a thorough investigation is actively underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this incident.
“Our Special Investigation Task Group (SITG “Samar”) is working in collaboration with the Philippine National Police to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
Torres said the incident highlights the challenges faced by media practitioners in their pursuit of truth and accountability.
“We stand in solidarity with journalists across the nation during these difficult times, reaffirming our steadfast commitment to upholding press freedom and ensuring the safety of all media workers,” he added.
The National Press Club (NPC) also extended its condolences to the Samar family, urging all media practitioners to be more vigilant.
“We call on the government, law enforcement agencies, and our fellow journalists to unite in ensuring that justice is served swiftly. Every attack on a journalist is an attack on press freedom itself,” NPC president Leonel Abasola said in a statement.
“Violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society. Journalists, as the Fourth Estate, must be allowed to carry out their duties freely and safely, without fear of retribution or harm,” he added.
Bicol Files joins in the call for a swift resolution of this latest attack on media workers which is an affront to press freedom and demands for justice for Samar and all victims of media attacks. (PNA)