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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bicol House leaders condemn killing of Albay broadcaster

Bicol House leaders condemn killing of Albay broadcaster

Published Oct 22, 2025 10:52 am

At A Glance

  • Ranking members of the House of Representatives have condemned the killing of broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar last Monday, Oct. 20 in Guinobatan, Albay.
Noel Bellen Samar (Facebook)
Noel Bellen Samar (Facebook)


Ranking members of the House of Representatives from Bicol have condemned the killing of broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar last Monday, Oct. 20 in Guinobatan, Albay.
Albay 3rd district Rep. Adrian Salceda and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima both expressed outrage over the latest attack on a member of the media.
“I vehemently condemn this act of violence. Such attacks have no place in a civilized society, and certainly not in the political life of Albay. Any attack on the media is an attack on our freedoms,” Salceda, chairman of the Committee on Food Security, said.
The Manila Bulletin earlier reported that 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 at 9:05 a.m. Monday.
Salceda quickly put up a P25,000 reward for anyone who could provide credible information on the identity of the assailant.
Samar died in the hospital on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
"As public servants, we must always uphold respect for those who report, question, and critique us. My family has practiced constant kindness even in the face of unwarranted media criticism," Salceda said.
De Lima, a deputy minority leader and Camarines Sur native, aired similar concerns over the radioman's shooting.
"We strongly condemn the shooting of broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar...This incident is yet another proof of why the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists."
"Clearly, these senseless killings, attacks and harassments have a chilling effect on the Fourth Estate—a significant pillar of our democracy. This impunity must end," said the former senator and Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary.
"The Marcos Jr. administration must take serious and concrete steps to bring justice to the victims of violence against journalists and media personnel. The State should provide adequate protection for this noble profession," she further said.
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