The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Albay Rep. Adrian Salceda have strongly condemned the shooting of veteran broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar, who was critically wounded in an attack on Monday morning, Oct. 20, in Guinobatan, Albay.
Samar, 54, a hard-hitting blocktime commentator affiliated with Kadunong iTV and DWIZ in Legazpi City, was shot in the chest and abdomen by an unidentified gunman while driving his motorcycle along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Morera around 9:05 a.m.
He was rushed by the Guinobatan Emergency Quick Response Team to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, where he underwent surgery and is now recovering.
PNP acting chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. ordered an in-depth investigation and launched a hot pursuit operation to apprehend the suspect.
A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “Samar” was also formed to focus on case build-up, evidence gathering, and coordination with other law enforcement units.
“I have already instructed the Regional Director, PRO-5, to look into all angles to identify those behind this attack and arrest them in the soonest possible time,” Nartatez said.
“We strongly condemn this attack against a member of the media. This kind of violence has no place in our society.”
Initial evidence has been gathered, and CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed to help identify the perpetrator.
In support of the investigation, Rep. Salceda announced a P25,000 reward for any credible information leading to the arrest of the gunman. He also pledged an additional P25,000 in financial assistance to Samar’s family to help with immediate needs.
“I am relieved that Noel is safe. I urge the authorities to ensure his continued protection and to bring the perpetrators swiftly to justice,” Salceda said.
“An attack on a member of the media is an attack on our freedoms. Such acts of violence have no place in a civilized society.”
Salceda emphasized the importance of respecting journalists, even amid criticism, and called on Albayanos to reject political violence and uphold peace and the rule of law.
Several media organizations—including the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), the National Press Club (NPC), the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), and the Bicol Press Club (BPC)—have also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Samar and the local press community.
Samar’s family has appealed for continued prayers for his recovery as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting. (Aaron Recuenco, Niño Luces)
