Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

Annie Perez

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784161893986Screenshot 2026-07-16 at 8.31.19 AM.png" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Courtesy: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and World Heritage Site </span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Police arrested Wednesday three out of four suspects in the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/14/american-marine-biologist-gunned-down-in-negros-oriental-0820">killing of American marine biologist Kent Carpenter.</a></p><p>Those arrested included an alleged gunman, a lookout, and a third suspect who allegedly molested Carpenter&#x27;s Filipina live-in partner.</p><p>Carpenter was shot dead inside his home in Barangay Ajong, Sibulan, on Sunday night while watching television with his partner. </p><p>PCapt. Stephen Polinar earlier said that with the help of CCTV footage and the survivor-witness, investigators profiled the suspects.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/15/kent-carpenter-slain-scientist-who-helped-ph-win-south-china-sea-arbitration-1304">Ex-Solgen pays tribute to slain scientist who helped PH win South China Sea arbitration</a></div><p>A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG disclosed that it was looking at robbery as the primary motive for now.</p><p>A backpack belonging to the live-in partner, which contained ATM cards, IDs, and P25,000 cash, was stolen. Another bundle of P50,000 in cash was also taken, along with a laptop and a pair of binoculars.</p><p>Charges of robbery with homicide will be filed within the day.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>TWO GUNSHOT WOUNDS</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Polinar said that Carpenter sustained two gunshot wounds on his head. </p><p>Based on the evidence recovered from the scene, a .45 caliber pistol was the weapon likely used in the attack.</p><p>“We are now waiting for the result of the forensic examination,” Polinar added.</p><p>The live-in partner remains a <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/15/partner-of-slain-us-marine-biologist-now-person-of-interest-0959">person of interest</a>, being the lone witness present during the crime.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY MOURNS </strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Meanwhile, Silliman University (SU), where Carpenter served as an adjunct professor and research associate, expressed deep sorrow over his death.</p><p>“For nearly five decades, Dr. Carpenter maintained a close relationship with SU. Throughout the years, Dr. Carpenter worked closely with faculty, researchers, and students of the Biology Department, the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences, and the SU Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management,” the university&#x27;s official statement read.</p><p>The university highlighted Carpenter&#x27;s vast expertise in ichthyology, marine biodiversity, systematics, conservation biology, and evolutionary research.</p><p>“Through the Partnerships for International Research and Education program, he opened opportunities for Filipino graduate students and researchers to collaborate with leading international institutions, strengthening the University’s international research network and attracting global scientific partnerships,” the statement continued.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/15/scientific-community-grieves-demands-justice-for-slain-marine-expert-0721">Scientific community grieves, demands justice for slain marine expert Kent Carpenter</a></div><p>“His passing is a tremendous loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the generations of students, researchers, conservationists, and institutions whose work has been enriched by his intellect, generosity, and unwavering dedication to science,” the university added.</p><p>Carpenter&#x27;s remains lie at a funeral parlor in Dumaguete City. Authorities are coordinating with the United States Embassy to contact his family members.</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v5x7SWQMzZk?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xPmHDvRhcy8?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Police arrested Wednesday three out of four suspects in the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/14/american-marine-biologist-gunned-down-in-negros-oriental-0820">killing of American marine biologist Kent Carpenter.</a></p>

Police arrested Wednesday three out of four suspects in the killing of American marine biologist Kent Carpenter.

3 suspects in marine biologist’s slay in Negros Oriental arrested

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3 suspects in marine biologist’s slay in Negros Oriental arrested

Karen De Guzman,

Annie Perez,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 16, 2026 08:35 AM PHT

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Updated July 16, 2026 09:07 AM PHT

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negros oriental

marine biologist

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