Guinobatan: The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Samar on Tuesday confirmed that Albay broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, Samar, who was 54 years old and affiliated with Kadunong ITV and radio station DWIZ, sustained gunshot wounds to the left side of the chest and abdomen. The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) Executive Director Jose Torres Jr. extended deepest 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. He emphasized that the SITG ‘Samar’ is working in collaboration with the Philippine National Police to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Torres noted that the incident highlights the challenges faced by media practitioners in their pursuit of truth and accountability. He reaffirmed the commitment to upholding press freedom and ensuring the safety of all media workers during these difficult times. The National Press Club (NPC) extended its deepest condolences to the Samar family, urging all media practitioners to be more vigilant. NPC president Leonel Abasola called on the government, law enforcement agencies, and fellow journalists to unite in ensuring that justice is served swiftly, stating that every attack on a journalist is an attack on press freedom itself. He asserted that violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society, and journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties freely and safely, without fear of retribution or harm.