American Marine Biologist Killed in Philippine Home Robbery

Kent Carpenter, a 73-year-old American marine biologist, was shot in the head and killed during a home invasion in Sibulan, Negros Oriental province, on Sunday night. Three men with covered faces entered the house and took a laptop, cash and a backpack before fleeing, according to national police spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co.

Carpenter’s 34-year-old Filipina companion was injured and is receiving treatment, regional police spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong said. Investigators have not determined a motive and are working to identify the attackers as of Tuesday.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila was notified of the death. Regional police director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said the case is being treated with utmost urgency. Several Philippine environmental and biodiversity centers have mourned Carpenter’s death.

Silliman University, where Carpenter lectured and collaborated on marine research since 1976, said he made groundbreaking contributions to global understanding of Philippine marine biodiversity. He had served as an expert witness for the Philippines in the 2016 South China Sea arbitration, providing records on environmental harms from reclamation and destructive fishing.

Carpenter also conducted research in the Verde Island Passage and supported its designation as a World Heritage Site.

In a 2024 video he said he had studied the Philippine marine environment since 1975. The U.S. Embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.