Newsmen, kin demand justice for slain Albay broadcaster

By Reynard Magtoto, Baretang Bikolnon

LEGAZPI CITY --- Media groups called on the authorities to conduct a swift and in-depth investigation into the murder of radio broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar in Albay province.

Samar, 54, was shot on the road in Guinobatan on October 20 and was declared dead the following day while being treated for four gunshot wounds in a hospital in Daraga.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) described Samar’s killing as ‘disturbing.’ “It adds to the chilling effect on media practitioners, campus journalists, and communication students,” the group’s statement read.

As a broadcaster, Samar worked for Kadunong Internet TV, 92.3 DWIZ News FM Legazpi and 95.7 DWBC FM in Libon. He is the eighth journalist killed under Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s government. Of the eight media killings, two cases have been proven to be related to the victims’ journalistic work, while the remaining six, including Samar’s, are still being investigated.

“Unfortunately, journalists do not only face the difficulties of delivering good journalism but also need to navigate the political culture and corruptive practices in their areas. In places where corruption and political rivalries exist, journalists can sometimes be caught in the middle,” NUJP explained.

The Philippine National Police in Guinobatan said the killing of Samar could possibly be work-related. They are examining the eventuality that the victim had been tailed by the suspect before being shot multiple times.

According to Guinobatan Police, the suspect escaped using a motorcycle, shortly after the incident.

Meanwhile, the PNP’s Special Investigation Task Group released the computerized cartographic sketch of the suspect wearing a helmet and face mask. They said they are still in search of the person who shot Samar.

NUJP noted that the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) is also monitoring the case of Samar.

“We hope they will focus on their investigation until justice is served to the victim,” the group stated.

The PTFOMS was recently criticized by media groups including the NUJP for saying that there is ‘no culture of impunity’ in the country.

“The claim that there is no culture of impunity in the country is contradicted by international and local data. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) continues to list the Philippines among the world’s worst offenders in its 2024 Global Impunity Index, ranking ninth, with at least 18 unsolved journalist murders,” NUJP emphasized in a separate statement.

Student publications under the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) – Bicol also joined the call for justice for Samar, saying that the fight for press freedom does not end within campuses.

“It is appropriate to further strengthen the care and protection of journalists, because they are people with dignity, rights, and value in society. “We must collectively condemn this form of violence and defend every journalist—whether on or off campus.”

There are 21 campus publications in Bicol region taking a firm stand against the killing of Samar.

“Targeting journalists will not silence critical voices but will only embolden more to speak out. This brutal killing serves as a call to strengthen protections for journalists and to uphold the freedom of the press,” Bicol University – Bicol Organization of Neo – Journalists said in its unified statement.

Samar was laid to rest at the Pristine Memorial Garden in Ligao City on October 27.

“May his courage live on in our fight for truth and justice, until he finally rests in peace,” Samar’s family said.