Guinobatan: The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) on Monday denounced the shooting of radio broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar in Guinobatan, Albay, calling it an assault not only on the victim but on press freedom itself. Samar, 54, affiliated with Kadunong ITV and DWIZ Legazpi, was attacked at around 9 a.m. Monday along Maharlika Highway. He sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen, and is now in critical condition at a local hospital.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a nationwide hot pursuit operation to arrest the suspect or suspects. A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG 'Samar') has also been activated to lead the probe. PTFoMS Executive Director Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr. vowed that the task force will pursue not only the gunman but also those who may have ordered the attack. 'More than just hunting down the gunman or gunmen, it is crucial that we uncover the motive behind this heinous attack and bring the masterminds to justice,' Torres said.
He emphasized that the government will not allow violence to silence media workers. 'This act of violence is not only an attack on Mr. Samar but also an assault on press freedom in the country. We must send a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated,' Torres stated. PTFoMS has deployed a team on the ground to assist investigators and monitor Samar's condition. Torres added the government remains steadfast in its commitment to protect journalists. 'The climate of fear and intimidation that threatens the lives of our journalists must end. We stand unwaveringly with the media community and we will do all we can to ensure their safety,' he said.
The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) also strongly condemned the shooting incident, urging the Philippine National Police (PNP) to exhaust all efforts in identifying, tracking down, and arresting the perpetrator at the soonest possible time. 'The NPC stands in solidarity with our colleague Noel Samar, his family, and the entire media community in Bicol. We denounce this cowardly act of violence against a member of the press,' NPC President Leonel Abasola said in a statement. 'We call on the government, law enforcement agencies, and our fellow journalists to unite in ensuring that justice is served swiftly. Every attack on a journalist is an attack on press freedom itself,' he added.
Data from PTFoMS shows 199 recorded cases of violence against media workers since 1986, with 75 confirmed as work-related, 73 unrelated, and 12 undetermined. The 2009 Maguindanao Massacre, which claimed 32 journalists, remains the deadliest attack on the press in Philippine history.
