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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider 3 suspects in rob-slay of American marine biologist in police custody

3 suspects in rob-slay of American marine biologist in police custody

Published Jul 16, 2026 12:55 pm  |  Updated Jul 16, 2026 01:44 pm
THREE suspects in the killing of 73-year-old American marine biologist Dr. Kent E. Carpenter in Sibulan, Negros Oriental on July 12 are in police custody. (PRO-NIR)
THREE suspects in the killing of 73-year-old American marine biologist Dr. Kent E. Carpenter in Sibulan, Negros Oriental on July 12 are in police custody. (PRO-NIR)
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BACOLOD CITY – Police have three suspects in the murder of 73-year-old American marine biologist Dr. Kent E. Carpenter in Sibulan, Negros Oriental on July 12 in custody.
A report from Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said that the first suspect, Mark, 26, a resident of Barangay Ajong, Sibulan, was arrested at 9:56 p.m. Wednesday.
Less than an hour later, police apprehended Jal, 40, of Barangay Ajong, Sibulan, at 10:35 p.m.
Ciem, 21, of Barangay Ajong, Sibulan, voluntarily surrendered at 4:06 a.m. on Thursday, July 16.
The suspects were profiled by authorities based on the statement of Carpenter’s live-in partner.
Police Capt. Stephen Polinar, Negros Oriental police spokesperson, said the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) is pursuing two more suspects.
Polinar said that Mark shot Carpenter in the head and eye.
He said that robbery was the initial motive of the incident as P75,000 cash, laptop, and a binocular were missing.
Police earlier considered Carpenter’s 34-year-old live-in partner as a person of interest but she later became a witness.
His live-in partner was wounded in the attack and allegedly molested by the suspects.
Polinar said they are still in the process of extracting an affidavit from the victim to establish the alleged rape due to the sensitivity and confidentiality of the case.
Police said she is cooperative with investigators.
Polinar said they have coordinated with the US Embassy and waiting their response. Police are awaiting the decision of Carpenter’s family regarding his remains.
Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR director, emphasized that the case remains under active investigation. Follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
He lauded operating units for their swift and coordinated efforts.
Cardiño assured the victim’s family, the foreign community, and the public that they will relentlessly pursue all those involved until everyone responsible is held accountable before the law.

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Sibulan Negros Oriental Robbery Murder Deaths Dr. Kent Carpenter Biologist
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