Albay broadcaster's fatal shooting possibly work-related —PNP

The fatal shooting of a broadcaster in Guinobatan, Albay on October 20 was possibly work-related, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday.

“Initially, ang report po ni [Police Regional Office 5 chief Police Brigadier General Nestor Babagay Jr.] ay work-related po siya,” PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said in a press briefing.

Asked if the victim had enemies, Tuaño said, “Wala pong na-report ang [Special Investigation Task Group] nila, base na rin sa report ng [Presidential Task Force on Media Security]. Ang sinasabi lamang po, ito ay possible na work-related.”

On October 20, 54-year-old Noel Bellen Samar on board his motorcycle was shot by the perpetrator while traversing the uphill part of Maharlika Highway in Barangay Morera.

Samar underwent a medical operation but he passed away on October 21. 

The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Samar has been formed to focus on the investigation into the broadcaster’s killing. 

Albay 3rd District Representative Raymond Adrian Salceda offered P25,000 reward for any credible information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.

'Nothing can ever justify murder'

PTFOMS executive director Jose Torres Jr. said that Samar's killing showed the challenges faced by media practitioners in their pursuit of truth and accountability.

“We stand in solidarity with journalists across the nation during these difficult times, reaffirming our steadfast commitment to upholding press freedom and ensuring the safety of all media workers,” he said.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) also condemned the fatal shooting of the broadcaster.

“This latest incident is disturbing as it adds to the chilling effect on media practitioners, campus journalists, and communication students,” the NUJP said.

“Among the eight media killings, two cases have been confirmed as being linked to their work, while six others remain under investigation. No journalist should face death by simply performing their duty in reporting the truth,” it added.

In a statement, Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon denounced the killing and extended his condolences and prayers to Samar’s family, friends, and colleagues.

“We (Diocese of Legazpi) share in their grief and express our solidarity with all who condemn this killing and who call for justice and accountability in the face of this senseless act of violence,” Baylon said.

“Nothing can ever justify murder — not personal disputes, not political differences, not even appeals to public order or national security,” he added.

Baylon also called for a renewed commitment to “defend the sanctity of life, to pursue truth with courage, and to work together for peace founded on justice and Christian love.”

The Redemptorist Vice-Province of Manila, a missionary congregation, described the broadcaster’s death as a “grave assault on truth, press freedom, and human dignity.”

“We also join our voices in calling on the authorities to act with urgency and integrity; to uncover the motives, identify the masterminds, and prosecute the perpetrators,” the congregation said in a separate statement. 

“We decry the culture of impunity that has made killing a language of power in our society. We denounce all forms of violence that desecrate life and stifle free expression,” it added. --with Mariel Celine Serquiña/VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News