Philippine Radio Journalist Noël Bellen Samar Shot and Critically Wounded

October 20, 2025 – Philippines –

Philippine authorities are under pressure to swiftly investigate the shooting of radio journalist Noël Bellen Samar, 54, a broadcaster with Kadunong ITV and DWIZ in the Bicol region. The incident occurred on the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Morera, Guinobatan, Albay province, and Samar sustained four gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen, reportedly fired from a .45-caliber pistol. He was rushed to the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center for emergency surgery.

Following the attack on 20 October 2025, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) condemned the “brazen assault” and deployed a specialized investigation team. The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched a manhunt and established checkpoints while the task force vowed to pursue not only the gunman but also anyone who ordered the attack.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) labelled the attack a stark reminder of the pressing risks facing journalists in the Philippines and called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration to end decades-long impunity. Samar’s shooting comes amid the country’s persistent ranking near the top of the global Impunity Index for journalist killings.

Samar was en route to his office when assailants struck, indicating that even routine transit holds significant danger. The incident underscores how journalists navigating provincial routes can become vulnerable targets—especially in a country where attacks on media workers remain alarmingly frequent and rarely resolved.

This event adds urgency to calls from media freedom advocates for enhanced protections, transparent investigations, and stronger accountability mechanisms for crimes targeting press members. The combined response from PNP, PTFoMS and media groups marks a concerted effort, yet historical trends suggest enforcement remains inconsistent. Should investigation efforts falter, the symbolism of this attack could deepen public concern about the safety of reporters across the region.

Reference –

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2127361/ptfoms-condemns-attack-on-albay-broadcaster

Philippine radio journalist Noel Bellen Samar shot and critically wounded