Three of the four suspects linked to the killing of American marine biologist Kent Carpenter in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, have been arrested, Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said Thursday.
Co said the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region informed PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. of the arrests, including the alleged gunman.
“The director of Police Regional Office NIR, Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño reported to the chief PNP that they have already arrested three of the four suspects in the killing of the American marine biologist,” Co said.
Authorities identified the alleged gunman only by the alias “M.O.,” 26, who was arrested in Sibulan on Wednesday. Another suspect, identified as alias “J.F.,” was also apprehended in the same town on the same day.
A third suspect, identified as alias “C.D.,” 21, surrendered to authorities in Sibulan on Thursday and was subsequently placed under arrest. Police identified him as the alleged lookout in the attack.
Initial police reports said three armed men entered the residence of the 73-year-old Carpenter on Sunday and fatally shot him.
Carpenter’s 34-year-old Filipina live-in partner sustained bruises after she was allegedly hogtied by the assailants. Investigators are also looking into her allegation that she was sexually assaulted during the incident.