Broadcaster dies in hospital after shooting incident

Various media groups in the Philippines and abroad mourn while condemning the attack against Samar. “

LEGAZPI CITY – A broadcaster based in Albay province who sustained four gunshot wounds while riding his motorcycle along Maharlika Highway in Guinobatan municipality passed away in the hospital at around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21.

Noel Bellen Samar, 54, was shot on October 20 at around 9 a.m., along the uphill road of Purok 3, Barangay Morera, around 1.5 kilometers away from his residence and his Kadunong Broadcasting Services’ online broadcasting booth in Brgy. San Raphael.

Samar was first brought to Josefina Belmonte Duran Albay Provincial Hospital (JBDAPH) in Ligao City, before being transferred to the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center in Daraga for the surgical procedure.

“He is still unstable. There is damage to his internal organs and has already been operated on,” said Jojo, brother of the victim. “We hope that his body can handle the trauma.”

Samar’s family and friends prayed for his recovery.

“Mr. Samar’s family, including the DWIZ, are hoping that the life of Noel will be saved who is currently being treated at the hospital,” DWIZ News FM Legazpi management said.

However, their hopes were in vain when Jojo confirmed on the afternoon of October 21 that his brother died in the hospital while receiving intensive treatment. “He was revived twice this morning,” Jojo said. 

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of our beloved Papa, Noel Samar — a kind and selfless man who touched so many lives with his goodness and compassion. We are deeply grateful for all the love, prayers, and support during this difficult time,” said Liliosa Samar, daughter of the victim.

“It brings us comfort to know that he will always be remembered for the wonderful person he was,” Liliosa added. “Papa lived a full and meaningful life, leaving behind lessons of strength, kindness, and integrity. His love and legacy will forever remain in our hearts.”

Samar is known as Mr. Bull’s Eye on his radio program. He serves as station manager of Kadunong Internet TV and broadcasts on 92.3 DWIZ News FM Legazpi and 95.7 DWBC FM in Libon, Albay.

Based on the initial investigation of the Guinobatan Municipal Police Station, the perpetrator immediately fled after the incident. The shooting incident may have been related to the victim’s work, according to the police.

Guinobatan Chief of Police, PLtCol Joseph Abalos Imperial, in an interview with DZGB News, confirmed that a .45 caliber handgun was used in the attack. According to the police chief, it is possible that the suspect had been following the victim and opened fire several times once the opportunity arose.

Various media groups in the Philippines and abroad mourn while condemning the attack against Samar. “This violence is a clear attack not only on him but on the freedom of the press regarding public issues that the public has the right to know,” DWIZ News FM Legazpi management said.

“Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) – Albay stands with the local media community in denouncing any assault that threatens press freedom and endangers the safety of media workers,” KBP Albay Chapter Chair Reynard Sevillano said.

“While the motive remains unclear, NUJP Albay urges investigators to examine any link to Samar’s broadcasting work, as such an attack would not only be a personal injustice but a direct assault on press freedom in the province,” said NUJP Albay Chair Mavic Conde.

According to the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS), they are actively monitoring the case and have deployed a team to ensure a thorough, impartial, and swift investigation.

“More than just hunting down the gunman or gunmen, it is crucial that we uncover the motive behind this heinous attack and bring the masterminds to justice,” said Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., PTFOMS Executive Director.

“We must put an end to the continuing media impunity that threatens the safety of journalists in the country,” NUJP Albay Chapter said.

The motive for the crime and who is responsible for the shooting incident that led to the death of Samar are still unknown.

The Philippines ranked ninth among countries where journalists’ murderers are most likely to go free according to Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) 2024 global impunity index. The Philippines has constantly appeared on the international media group’s impunity index every year since it was first launched in 2008.

“Authorities must leave no stone unturned in identifying, capturing, and prosecuting the perpetrators behind the shooting of journalist Noel Bellen Samar,” said Shawn Crispin, CPJ’s senior Southeast Asia representative. “Until President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration demonstrates that it is serious about ending impunity, these types of wanton attacks on journalists will persist.” 

The Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) vowed to assist the authorities in ensuring a swift investigation on the Samar case. “Certainly, differences in political views and social opinions do not justify unlawful attacks, intimidation, or harassment. Silencing critics and opponents simply has no place in a democratic society,” PGA said. (DAA)

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