Ched Rick Gatchalian

Noel Bellen Samar. Facebook/Noel Bellen Samar 

Article (news)

Albay provincial government offers reward for info on radioman’s killing

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761202121634noel bellen.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Noel Bellen Samar.<em> Facebook/Noel Bellen Samar </em></span></span></span></div><p>The provincial government of Albay, in an initiative by 3rd District Rep. Adrian Salceda, has offered a P25,000 reward to anyone who can provide credible information leading to the arrest of those behind the fatal shooting of broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar.</p><p>Samar, a local radio commentator, was shot by an unidentified assailant along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Morera, Guinobatan on Monday.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/10/21/pnp-condemns-shooting-of-albay-radioman-launches-manhunt-0942"><strong>PNP condemns shooting of Albay radioman, launches manhunt</strong></a></div><p>According to Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, spokesperson of the Police Philippine National Police (PNP), authorities have created Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “Samar” to focus on solving the case.</p><p>“Ang provincial government ng Bicol ay magbibigay ng P25,000 para sa kung sino man ang makakatulong sa kanila sa patuloy na imbestigasyon,” said Tuaño.</p><p>He added that the SITG has already identified a motorcycle the suspect is believed to have used.</p><p>“Within the day, mag-a-apply sila ng search warrant para doon sa motor na nakita ng ating cyber team base sa CCTV,” Tuaño added.</p><p>(They will apply for a search warrant for the motorcycle our team saw on the CCTV)</p><p>Initial findings suggest that Samar’s killing may be related to his work as a journalist.</p><p>Investigators are also gathering more evidence from CCTV footage and witnesses in the area.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/2/press-freedom-in-ph-improved-but-global-state-of-journalists-falls-to-difficult-for-first-time-1537"><strong>Press freedom in PH improves but global state of journalists falls to &#x27;difficult&#x27; for first time</strong></a></div><div> </div><div><strong>STUDENT JOURNALISTS CONDEMN THE ATTACK </strong></div><p>The killing has sparked outrage and condemnation from local student journalists and media organizations.</p><p>In a joint statement, the Bicol Organization of Neo-Journalists (BONJour), along with the CAL College Student Council and Organizations of Bicol University, expressed grief and anger over Samar’s death, calling it “a direct assault on press freedom.”</p><p>“It sends a chilling message that those who seek to intimidate and brutally muzzle critical voices of free speech can always get away without consequences.”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/9/11/freedom-of-the-press-at-its-lowest-in-50-years-study-0852"><strong>Freedom of the press at its lowest in 50 years: study</strong></a></div><p>The groups urged authorities to conduct a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation to bring justice not only for Samar but for all journalists who have been attacked in the line of duty.</p><p>“Targeting journalists will not silence critical voices but will only embolden more to speak out. This brutal killing serves as a call to strengthen protections for journalists and to uphold the freedom of the press. An attack on the press is an attack against democracy,” they added.</p><p>Authorities vowed to pursue all leads to ensure justice for Samar and his family.</p>

<p>The provincial government of Albay, initiated by third district Representative Adrian Salceda, has offered a P25,000 reward to anyone who can provide credible information leading to the arrest of those behind the fatal shooting of Bicolano broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar.</p>

The provincial government of Albay, initiated by third district Representative Adrian Salceda, has offered a P25,000 reward to anyone who can provide credible information leading to the arrest of those behind the fatal shooting of Bicolano broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar.

Albay provincial government offers P25-K for info on radioman’s killing

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Albay provincial government offers P25-K for info on radioman’s killing

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 23, 2025 03:08 PM PHT

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Albay

Bicol

Regions

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Killing

Press freedom

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