Manhunt launched for gunman in killing of Albay radioman

By Rhaydz Barcia and Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol Regional Director Brig. Gen. Nestor C. Babagay, Jr. has ordered an all-out manhunt for the suspect behind the shooting of local radioman Noel Samar in Guinobatan, Albay.

Samar, 54, a media practitioner affiliated with Kadunong ITV and DWIZ Legazpi, was shot dead along the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Morera around 9:05 AM on October 20. He sustained gunshot wounds of yet undetermined severity.

Babagay has directed all police units in the region to mobilize maximum resources to track down the gunman. “Our efforts are in full motion. I have directed all our investigators to fast-track the investigation and leave no stone unturned until the suspect is identified, arrested, and held accountable for this ruthless act,” he said in a statement.

The attack, which police say may have been premeditated, has prompted the creation of a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “Samar.” The task force is tasked with leading the probe, gathering CCTV footage from nearby establishments, and interviewing witnesses to determine the identity of the suspect and the motive for the attack.

Local police in Guinobatan immediately responded to the scene, securing the area and initiating an investigation. Checkpoints have since been established in strategic locations, with neighboring municipal police stations assisting in the ongoing dragnet operation.

Brig. Gen. Babagay condemned the shooting, describing it as a “senseless act of violence” against a member of the media. “We stand with the victim, his family, and the media community in this difficult time. The PNP Bicol will pursue all leads and work tirelessly to uncover the motive and bring the perpetrator to justice,” he added.

The police also called on the public to come forward with any information that could help in the apprehension of the suspect.

Jo Roco of the Albay PNP Press Corps and Zagitsit News FM confirmed that Samar was a block timer at DWIZ in Legazpi and also hosted an online program via his Facebook page.

Authorities continue to investigate whether Samar’s work in media may have been a factor in the attack.

Meanwhile, 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.

“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.

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.

“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) extended its deepest 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.