Bicolano broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar passed away on Tuesday, October 21, after he was shot by unknown male in Guinobatan, Albay.
Samar, 54, was a well-known radio reporter for Kadunong Internet TV and 92.3 DWIZ. According to a police report, he was shot at around 9:05 a.m. on Monday, October 20, while in the said town.
He was immediately taken to the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center after sustaining four gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. He was scheduled for surgery but died around 2:20 p.m. the next day, according to Major Maria Luisa Tino of the Special Investigation Task Group.
The Commission to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) have called for an immediate investigation into the incident. According to them, such attacks are a threat to press freedom and the government should take action.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) expressed condolences to Samar's family and assured that the investigation will continue to achieve justice. In addition, it pledged that the government will remain committed to protecting journalists in the country.
