3 arrested in Carpenter slay case
BACOLOD CITY—Authorities have arrested three suspects in the killing last Sunday of internationally renowned American marine biologist Kent Edward Carpenter, who was once an expert witness in the country’s arbitration case against China.
Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar, Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOrPPO) spokesperson, said two suspects have been arrested in a series of hot pursuit operations on Wednesday evening while the third one surrendered early on Thursday.
They were identified as Mark Bucog Oracoy, 26, and Jal Piañar Filipinas, 40, who were both arrested on Wednesday. The third suspect, Ciem Mansing Diputado, 21, voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Thursday.
‘No connection’
In Camp Crame, Col. Allen Rae Co, Philippine National Police public information chief, told a press briefing that all three suspects face robbery with homicide charges.
He said police investigators were now looking into whether they were involved in previous robberies and that they could be subjected to drug tests under the agency’s rules and regulations.
Co added that a fourth suspect with the alias “Eden” was still at large.
Armed men barged into the home of Carpenter, 73, in Barangay Ajong of Sibulan town, Negros Oriental, on Sunday night.
The suspects shot him in the right side of his head and eye, causing instantaneous death, police said.
His Filipino live-in partner told investigators she was sexually molested by the men who entered the house. The medical examination, however, yielded a negative result for rape, although Polinar said it was not conclusive.
He added that it was the live-in partner, who was not named, who identified the two suspects. She was also the lone eyewitness and has been provided police protection.
Marine conservation
The coordinated crackdown, spearheaded by the Special Investigation “Task Group Carpenter” and the NOrPPO, took down the suspects in Sibulan between the late-night hours of July 15 and the early morning of July 16.
“As of now, all indicators point to the fact that this had no connection to Carpenter’s work,” Co said.
Also on Thursday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and environmental organizations honored Carpenter for his decadeslong contributions to Philippine marine conservation.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna described the marine scientist’s work as instrumental in strengthening the country’s efforts to protect its coastal and marine ecosystems.
“The DENR stands in solidarity with Dr. Carpenter’s family, colleagues, and the scientific community during this time of profound loss,” Cuna said in a statement.
“As a tribute to his invaluable contributions to Philippine marine conservation, the Department will extend appropriate assistance and support to his family,” he added.
Over several decades, Carpenter worked closely with Filipino researchers and institutions, including National Scientist and former Environment Secretary Dr. Angel Alcala, to document the Philippines’ vast marine resources.
Expert witness
His studies on the Tubbataha Reefs and other marine habitats highlighted their ecological importance and supported international recognition of the country’s rich biodiversity.
His research also helped establish the Verde Island Passage as the world’s “center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity,” drawing worldwide attention to one of the planet’s most diverse marine environments.
In addition, his findings reinforced the significance of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Carpenter also contributed as expert witness to the Philippine cause in the South China Sea arbitration case against China.
He provided scientific evidence on the environmental effects of dredging and coral reef destruction, underscoring the role of science in advancing environmental protection and international law.
The DENR said Carpenter’s work continues to influence marine protected area management, fisheries conservation, and biodiversity initiatives and will continue to inspire future generations in safeguarding the nation’s seas and marine life.
“Dr. Kent’s contributions were instrumental in strengthening the scientific foundation for marine biodiversity conservation in the country,” Cuna said.
In a separate statement, Greenpeace Philippines said the country needs “more people like Dr. Kent who champion the protection of our environment and stand with communities.”
“Dr. Kent’s lifelong work advanced marine science and strengthened the efforts of many civil society organizations, including Greenpeace, in campaigning for healthier oceans and sustainable fisheries,” it said.
Carpenter was a research associate at Silliman University in Dumaguete City and professor emeritus of biological sciences at Old Dominion University in Virginia, USA.
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