Scientists seek justice for slain American marine biologist

TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL, Philippines — A Philippine organization of scientists and engineers and Silliman University have called for justice for American marine biologist Dr. Kent Carpenter, who was shot dead during a home invasion in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, on Sunday night, July 12.

In a statement, Advocates of Science and Technology for the People (Agham) described Carpenter as “a scientist and advocate” whose decades of work in studying and protecting Philippine marine ecosystems reflected his commitment to making science serve the people.

The organization noted that Carpenter was a leading advocate for the protection of the Verde Island Passage, which his research identified as the world’s “center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity.”

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It also cited his support for protecting the marine corridor under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System and efforts to have it declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) World Heritage Site.

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READ: Special task group probes fatal shooting of American marine scientist

The Philippine National Police, meanwhile, has created Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Carpenter to investigate the killing and the alleged sexual assault of Carpenter’s Filipino partner.

Police said Carpenter, 73, an adjunct professor at Silliman University’s Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences, was fatally shot between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. inside his home in Purok 3, Barangay Ajong.

Robbery eyed

Three unidentified men wearing bonnets allegedly forced their way into the house while Carpenter and his live-in partner were watching television. One of the suspects reportedly shot Carpenter in the head, killing him instantly.

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READ: Saving biodiversity at Verde Island Passage

His 34-year-old Filipina companion sustained minor injuries. She is undergoing medical and forensic examination.

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Investigators are looking into robbery as a possible motive, although police said other angles have not been ruled out.

The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said SITG Carpenter, composed of investigators and specialized police units, has been tasked with intelligence gathering, evidence processing, case buildup, and the immediate identification and arrest of the suspects.

‘Senseless’

Authorities are also reviewing closed-circuit television footage, interviewing witnesses, conducting intelligence validation, and reconstructing the suspects’ movements before and after the attack.

“We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence. I have directed our investigators to exhaust all legal means to identify and apprehend those responsible at the soonest possible time,” said Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, director of the PRO-NIR.

He added: “We assure the victim’s family, the community, and our foreign visitors that this case is being treated with utmost urgency, and no effort will be spared until justice is served.”

Police urged anyone with information about the crime to coordinate with the nearest police station or the Sibulan Municipal Police Station.

Silliman University also paid tribute to Carpenter, calling him “an exceptional scientist” whose work significantly advanced the understanding and conservation of marine biodiversity.

“We join his family, colleagues, students, and the international scientific community in mourning the loss of an exceptional scientist whose life’s work advanced the understanding and conservation of marine biodiversity around the world,” the university said.

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Carpenter began collaborating with Silliman in 1976 alongside the late National Scientist Dr. Angel Alcala. /cb