A Catholic bishop on Thursday condemned the killing of a radio broadcaster in Albay province and called for justice for the slain mediaman.
Noel Bellen Samar, a block-time commentator for DWIZ and manager of online media platform Kadunong ITV, died on Oct. 21, hours after he was shot in broad daylight while driving his motorcycle in Guinobatan town.
He reportedly sustained four gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen and later died at a hospital in Legazpi City.
Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi expressed his condolences to Samar’s family and colleagues, denouncing the attack as a “senseless act of violence.”
“In the name of the clergy and laity of the Diocese of Legazpi, I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family, friends, and colleagues of Noel Bellen Samar,” Baylon said in a statement.
“We share in their grief and express our solidarity with all who condemn this killing and who call for justice and accountability,” he said.
The prelate said “nothing can ever justify murder — not personal disputes, not political differences, not even appeals to public order or national security.”
“May this awaken in all of us a renewed resolve to defend the sanctity of life, to pursue truth with courage, and to work together for peace founded on justice and Christian love,” he added.
Authorities have yet to identify the assailants or determine the motive of the attack.
According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Samar’s death brings to eight the number of journalists killed in the country since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022.
