Metro Manila, Philippines – Two suspects were arrested while another voluntarily surrendered in connection with the killing of American marine biologist Kent Edward Carpenter in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, police said on Thursday, July 16.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) identified the suspects as Mark Bucog Oracoy, Jal Piañar Filipinas, and Ciem Mansing Diputado.
Police said the three are under custody as authorities prepare to file robbery with homicide charges against them.
Carpenter, who was known for his pioneering research on the Verde Island Passage and was an expert witness for the Philippines in the 2015 South China Sea arbitration proceedings before the tribunal in The Hague, was shot dead at his residence in Barangay Ajong, Sibulan on July 12.
Police said they are pursuing a fourth suspect.
