by Nava Thakuria
Geneva/Philippines: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media safety and rights organisation, has strongly condemned the killing of Filipino journalist Noel Bellen Samar and called for swift justice for his family and the Philippine media community.
Samar, 54, a radio broadcaster with Kadunong Internet TV and 92.3 dwIZ in Legazpi City, was shot multiple times by two unidentified assailants while riding his motorcycle along the Maharlika Highway in Guinobatan on Monday. He was immediately rushed to the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center, but succumbed to his injuries on 21 October. Reports indicate that Samar sustained four gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen.
Several journalist associations in Manila have voiced outrage over the killing and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
“Noel Bellen Samar is the third journalist killed in the Philippines this year and the 147th journalist to be killed globally in 2025. PEC has learned that he was outspoken against the administration in Albay and often expressed critical views in his programs,” said Blaise Lempen, President of PEC. “We demand a thorough investigation and that those responsible be punished under the law.”
Since 1 January 2025, the Philippines has already lost two other journalists — Juan Johny Dayang and Erwin Labitad Segovia — to targeted attacks.
