American biologist, 73, who championed Philippine marine conservation shot dead at home
An American biologist who championed Philippine marine conservation was shot dead in a suspected home invasion in the country.
Kent Carpenter, 73, was watching TV with his 34-year-old Filipina girlfriend when three armed masked men reportedly forced his way into their home in Negros Oriental at around 11:30 pm local time on July 12.
One of the suspects reportedly shot Kent in the head, killing him at the scene.
The trio then allegedly assaulted and tied up the woman before ransacking the property and fleeing with stolen belongings.
Police arrived to find the scene in disarray, with Kent lying dead on the couch.
The injured woman was shaken but alive. They said she suffered multiple bruises and is undergoing medical and forensic examination.
Colonel Allen Rae Co, spokesman for the Philippine National Police, said: 'Three men in bonnets suddenly entered the home and quickly shot the victim.
'The live-in partner was tied up, and they took several items, a laptop, some cash and a backpack containing IDs, then the perpetrators left.
'We're looking at all motives. We are not discounting anything.'
Authorities said a special task group has been established to track down the perpetrators.
The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region said in a statement that they were 'conducting backtracking and forward tracking operations, including the review of possible CCTV footage, witness interviews, intelligence validation, and reconstruction of the suspects' movements before and after the incident.'
Kent was a distinguished ichthyologist who spent more than 50 years studying Philippine marine life.
He co-authored the landmark 2005 paper that identified the Verde Island Passage as the 'Centre of Marine Shore Fish Biodiversity', boosting the Philippines' reputation as a global marine biodiversity hotspot.
He also served as an adjunct professor and researcher at Silliman University's Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences and had recently supported efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for the Verde Island Passage.
His death sparked an outpouring of grief from Filipino scientists and conservationists.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park said in a tribute: 'Since 2018, Kent has given his time freely to the park, driven by a love for the reef. He was a brilliant scientist who helped us truly understand what we are protecting.
'You are sorely missed, Kent. Sleep with angels.'
Silliman University also expressed its condolences.
The institution said: 'Beyond his remarkable scholarly achievements, Dr Carpenter was a generous mentor, collaborator, and friend to the Silliman community.
'He freely shared his knowledge, encouraged young scientists, and helped cultivate a culture of scientific excellence, international collaboration, and environmental stewardship that continues to shape the University's marine research programs.
'His passing is a tremendous loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the generations of students, researchers, conservationists, and institutions whose work has been enriched by his intellect, generosity, and unwavering dedication to science.'
Kent's death comes just days after an American man was shot dead during an alleged robbery in Rizal province, east of Manila, on July 10.
The man, whose identity was not disclosed by police, was shot at close range after fighting off two motorcycle-riding muggers who tried to steal his phone and jewellery.
