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PTFoMS Slams Shooting Of Albay Broadcaster: 'Attack On One Journalist Is An Attack On All'
Photo credit: Albay PPO
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has strongly condemned the brazen shooting of radio broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar in Guinobatan, Albay — calling it not just a crime against one man, but a direct assault on press freedom.
Samar, 54, who is affiliated with Kadunong ITV and DWIZ Legazpi, was shot along Maharlika Highway around 9 a.m. Monday. He sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen and is now in critical condition at a nearby hospital.
In response, the Philippine National Police (PNP) launched a nationwide manhunt to track down those responsible. Authorities also formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG “Samar”) to focus on the case.
PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. said the government will leave no stone unturned in finding both the gunman and the masterminds behind the attack.
“More than just hunting down the gunman or gunmen, it’s crucial that we uncover the motive behind this heinous act and bring those responsible to justice,” Torres said.
He emphasized that the government will not allow violence to intimidate or silence media workers.
“This act of violence is not only an attack on Mr. Samar, but also an assault on press freedom in the country. We must send a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated,” he added.
Torres said PTFoMS has already deployed a team on the ground to assist in the investigation and monitor Samar’s condition, assuring that the government remains firm in its commitment to protect journalists.
“The climate of fear and intimidation that threatens the lives of our journalists must end. We stand unwaveringly with the media community and will do all we can to ensure their safety,” he said.
The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) also condemned the attack, urging the PNP to move swiftly in finding the culprits.
“We denounce this cowardly act of violence against a member of the press,” said NPC President Leonel Abasola. “Every attack on a journalist is an attack on press freedom itself. We stand in solidarity with our colleague Noel Samar, his family, and the entire media community in Bicol.”
Since 1986, PTFoMS has recorded 199 cases of violence against media workers, with 75 confirmed to be work-related. The 2009 Maguindanao Massacre, where 32 journalists were killed, remains the darkest chapter in Philippine media history.
Samar, 54, who is affiliated with Kadunong ITV and DWIZ Legazpi, was shot along Maharlika Highway around 9 a.m. Monday. He sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen and is now in critical condition at a nearby hospital.
In response, the Philippine National Police (PNP) launched a nationwide manhunt to track down those responsible. Authorities also formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG “Samar”) to focus on the case.
PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. said the government will leave no stone unturned in finding both the gunman and the masterminds behind the attack.
“More than just hunting down the gunman or gunmen, it’s crucial that we uncover the motive behind this heinous act and bring those responsible to justice,” Torres said.
He emphasized that the government will not allow violence to intimidate or silence media workers.
“This act of violence is not only an attack on Mr. Samar, but also an assault on press freedom in the country. We must send a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated,” he added.
Torres said PTFoMS has already deployed a team on the ground to assist in the investigation and monitor Samar’s condition, assuring that the government remains firm in its commitment to protect journalists.
“The climate of fear and intimidation that threatens the lives of our journalists must end. We stand unwaveringly with the media community and will do all we can to ensure their safety,” he said.
The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) also condemned the attack, urging the PNP to move swiftly in finding the culprits.
“We denounce this cowardly act of violence against a member of the press,” said NPC President Leonel Abasola. “Every attack on a journalist is an attack on press freedom itself. We stand in solidarity with our colleague Noel Samar, his family, and the entire media community in Bicol.”
Since 1986, PTFoMS has recorded 199 cases of violence against media workers, with 75 confirmed to be work-related. The 2009 Maguindanao Massacre, where 32 journalists were killed, remains the darkest chapter in Philippine media history.
Oct 20, 2025
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