Five suspects have been charged with robbery with homicide in connection with the killing of American marine biologist Dr. Kent Carpenter in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
Four of the suspects were presented before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office on Friday for inquest and regular filing of charges.
Police identified the suspects only by their aliases: M.O., the alleged gunman; J.F.; C.D.; E.L.; and John Doe, who remains at large.
Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said M.O. and J.F. were brought before prosecutors during the morning inquest after their arrest by the Philippine National Police and members of the Special Investigation Task Group Carpenter.
‘The three other respondents-C.D., E.L. and John Doe-were included in the same complaint through regular filing after the 36-hour reglementary period had elapsed,’ Polinar said.
E.L., a resident of Barangay Ajong, Sibulan, surrendered to the village chief shortly before midnight on Thursday.
Meanwhile, authorities have launched a manhunt for John Doe, the lone remaining fugitive.
The suspects are accused in the fatal shooting of Carpenter, 73, who was killed inside his residence in Barangay Ajong on July 12. He sustained two gunshot wounds to the head.
Carpenter’s 34-year-old Filipino live-in partner survived. She alleged that she was sexually assaulted during the attack.
She identified the suspects and appeared before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office as the lone eyewitness to the killing.
Carpenter was internationally recognized for his pioneering work in marine biodiversity conservation.
His family is expected to arrive in Negros Oriental to make arrangements for the disposition of his remains.