ALBAY BROADCASTER NOEL SAMAR DIES AFTER GUN ATTACK; PRESS GROUPS DEMAND JUSTICE

Veteran broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar succumbed to gunshot wounds a day after being shot by an unidentified assailant along Maharlika Highway in Guinobatan, Albay. The 54-year-old media practitioner, affiliated with Kadunong ITV and DWIZ radio, died at the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center following emergency surgery. Authorities have launched a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG Samar) to probe the incident, with both the PNP and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security vowing to bring those responsible to justice. The National Press Club and media security officials condemned the attack, calling it a grave assault on press freedom and the safety of journalists. Press groups are urging the government and law enforcement to act swiftly and decisively against violence targeting members of the media.