The University of the Philippines (UP) on Monday, July 20, called for justice in the killing of American marine biologist Kent Carpenter, who served as an expert witness and scientific adviser to the Philippines in its arbitration case against China over the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement, the university joined the scientific community in mourning Carpenter, who was shot dead after armed men forcibly entered his home in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, on July 12.

“We join his family, friends, colleagues, and the broader scientific community in demanding justice. We urge our authorities to investigate his death and to ensure that the culprits behind this senseless act of violence are held accountable,” UP said.

The university described Carpenter as ”an invaluable expert resource and supporter” of the UP Marine Science Institute since its establishment in 1974.

It said Carpenter devoted his life's work to studying Philippine marine biodiversity and advocating for its protection and conservation.

Carpenter was best known for his landmark 2005 study that identified the Verde Island Passage as the world's ”center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity.”

The university also highlighted Carpenter's role in the Philippines' arbitration case against China, saying his research on coral reef ecology was crucial in documenting the environmental damage caused by China's reclamation and destructive fishing practices in the West Philippine Sea.

“The death of Dr. Carpenter is a tremendous loss to the global marine science and environmental protection community. It is also a tragic reminder of the threats faced even by scientists, researchers, and environmental defenders,” the university said.

UP paid tribute to Carpenter's life and scholarship, saying his legacy should strengthen efforts to protect the country's rich biodiversity while ensuring the safety of those working to conserve it.