4th suspect in US scientist’s slay yields
A fourth suspect in the killing of American marine biologist Kent Carpenter surrendered to authorities early on Friday morning, the Philippine National Police said.
PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co told reporters the suspect also claimed to have acted as a lookout. “He has surrendered to our officers at Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region.”
But according to Co’s count, there are now five suspects involved in Carpenter’s killing on July 12.
“Our initial count is that there were only four suspects,” he said, adding that the fourth suspect “probably wants to disclose his participation in the crime, maybe because he’s guilty.”
Carpenter was shot dead at his home in Barangay Ajong, Sibulan town, Negros Oriental, by one of the attackers, while the others stole his belongings—including a laptop, cash and a backpack—or acted as lookouts.
His partner told investigators she was raped by one of the men. But a police official said her medical examination yielded a negative result for rape, although it was not yet final.
Two suspects—Mark Bucog Oracoy, 26, and Jal Piañar Filipinas, 40—were arrested on Wednesday. A third, Ciem Mansing Diputado, 21, surrendered to authorities on Thursday.
Renowned scientist
Carpenter had been praised by his peers here and abroad for his studies in the Philippines, including Tubbataha Reefs, Verde Island Passage and other marine habitats.
He had been a longtime lecturer and researcher at Silliman University in Negros Oriental, and a biological sciences professor at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, since 1996.
He also served as a witness on behalf of the Philippines in its 2013 arbitral case against China, which led to Manila’s victory over Beijing 10 years ago on July 12.
Carpenter’s testimony as a biodiversity expert centered on the environmental impact of China’s island-building and fishing activities in the disputed waters, according to former Philippine officials who had knowledge of his contribution.
“All indicators as of now point to the fact that the attack was not connected to [Carpenter’s] work,” Co told reporters. “It was really a planned robbery. So, we are still verifying why they killed the American marine biologist.” —WITH A REPORT FROM AP
