THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has condemned the killing of broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar in Albay, calling it another reminder of the persistent culture of impunity that continues to endanger members of the press.
The group said Samar’s death brings to eight the number of journalists killed since President Marcos assumed office in June 2022.
Of these, two have been confirmed as work-related, while six others remain under investigation.
NUJP warned that these attacks continue to erode press freedom and create a ‘chilling effect’ among journalists, campus writers, and communication students.
‘While the motive remains unclear and the investigation is still ongoing, NUJP urges authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the Samar case and whether it links to his journalistic work,’ the group said in a statement on late Wednesday.
Samar, 54, was on his motorcycle on Maharlika Highway, Guinobatan town, when he was shot four times by a still unidentified gunman on October 20.
He was rushed to a hospital but died the following day.
Police said they are investigating the possibility that he had been followed before the shooting.
Known to his listeners as ‘Mr. Bull’s Eye,’ Samar hosted a radio program aired on 92.3 dwIZ News FM Legazpi and 95.7 dwBC FM Libon. He also managed Kadunong Internet TV.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has begun monitoring the case, which NUJP urged to pursue.
NUJP noted that despite government pronouncements, cases of media killings and harassment continue to rise in the regions, where journalists often work without institutional protection or legal support.
The group said that in many areas, reporters and broadcasters face intimidation when covering corruption, criminality, or local rivalries.
‘No journalists should face death by simply performing their duty in reporting the truth. The threats and other forms of attacks will not persist if the Marcos administration is serious about ending impunity,’ it added.
In a statement on Thursday, Legazpi (Albay) Bishop Joel Z. Baylon also condemned the killing of Samar.
Baylon said the attack was a ‘senseless act of violence’ that must not be justified under any circumstance.
Baylon urged the public to defend life and truth, saying Samar’s death should strengthen efforts to seek peace founded on justice and compassion.
‘Nothing can ever justify murder-not personal disputes, not political differences, not even appeals to public order or national security,’ he said.