2 Carpenter slay suspects nabbed; another surrenders

MANILA, Philippines — Police have in their custody three suspects in the murder of American marine biologist Kent Edward Carpenter, who was shot dead on Sunday night at his home in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

Two of the suspects, identified as Mark Bucog and Jal Filipinas, were collared in Barangay Ajong on Wednesday, while the other, Ciem Diputado, surrendered yesterday.

A manhunt has been launched for a fourth suspect, identified only as Eden, according to Col. Allen Rae Co, spokesman for the Philippine National Police.

Police said Bucog allegedly shot dead Carpenter, while Filipinas reportedly sexually assaulted the victim’s partner.

Diputado reportedly acted as a lookout.

Citing results of investigation, Co said that Carpenter’s partner and her sibling, who were earlier tagged as persons of interest in the case, have nothing to do with the murder.

He said the woman was instrumental in identifying one of the three men who barged into their house in Barangay Ajong.

Co said that although the intruders were wearing bonnets, the woman was able to identify Bucog as the gunman through a tattoo on the suspect’s left hand.

Days before the intrusion, a robbery reportedly occurred at the couple’s house, prompting them to have their property fenced. They reportedly hired Filipinas to construct the fence.

Co said Carpenter’s partner would be subjected to another medical examination to validate her claim of being sexually assaulted.

The initial examination, whose results were negative for rape, was done by the municipal health office.

Co said Carpenter’s wife is set to arrive in Negros Oriental to claim his remains.

Citing results of an autopsy, police said Carpenter suffered gunshot wounds in the right side of the head and in the eye, with the bullets exiting in the left and back sides of the head, respectively.

Negros Island Region police director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño lauded the special investigation task group, the Sibulan police and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for their swift and coordinated response that resulted in the arrest and surrender of the suspects.

Cardiño described the arrest as a major step toward securing justice for Carpenter.

He assured the family of the victim and the international community that the police would continue to pursue people behind the crime.