Three of four suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of American marine biologist Dr. Kent Carpenter in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.
PNP public information chief Police Col. Allen Rae Co said in a press conference, the arrested suspects include the alleged gunman, the suspect who allegedly served as lookout, and the individual accused of sexually assaulting Carpenter’s live-in partner during the incident.
Those arrested were alias: “M.O.,” the alleged gunman; “C.D.,” the alleged lookout who later surrendered to authorities; and “J.F.,” who allegedly assaulted the victim’s live-in partner.
Carpenter, 73, was shot and robbed inside his residence on July 12. Authorities said the suspects allegedly entered the victim’s home in what appeared to be a robbery that turned deadly.
Police are still pursuing a fourth suspect known by the alias “Eden,” who allegedly took the group’s loot after the incident.
The three arrested suspects are facing charges of robbery with homicide, while authorities continue forensic examinations related to the alleged sexual assault.
Investigators said one of the suspects had previously worked at Carpenter’s residence and allegedly used the opportunity to observe the property before the crime. Police are also looking into whether the group may have been involved in other robbery incidents in the area.
Authorities said there is currently no indication that the killing was linked to Carpenter’s work as a marine biologist or his reported contribution to the Philippines’ 2016 South China Sea arbitral victory.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. praised the operating units involved in the investigation for the swift arrest of the three suspects.
The arrests were carried out by personnel from the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and other police units.
Nartatez said the investigation will continue until the remaining suspect is arrested and all evidence is properly documented to strengthen the case against those responsible.
“The swift arrest of three suspects reflects the dedication and professionalism of our investigators. Our work is far from over. Our priority is to complete the case by arresting the remaining suspect, ensuring all evidence is properly documented, and building a strong case that will secure the conviction of everyone responsible,” Nartatez said.
“I have directed all concerned units to sustain intensified manhunt operations until the remaining suspect is arrested,” it said.
The PNP chief ordered intensified manhunt operations for the remaining suspect, urging the public to provide any information that could help authorities locate and arrest him.
“We will not stop until every person involved in this crime is brought before the courts,” Nartatez said.
