American marine biologist Kent Edward Carpenter, a scientific expert who supported the Philippines in the South China Sea arbitration, was killed in Negros Oriental over the weekend. Police reported that on the night of July 12, three unidentified men forcibly entered Carpenter’s residence in Barangay Ajong, Sibulan. One suspect, armed with a handgun, allegedly shot Carpenter in the head, causing his death. His Filipino companion was injured and is undergoing medical and forensic examination.

Authorities have launched a manhunt and are conducting case buildup and intelligence-gathering efforts, including reviewing potential CCTV footage and other investigative leads.

Carpenter, a professor emeritus at Old Dominion University, was internationally recognized for marine biodiversity research. In the Philippines’ case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, he provided expert reports and gave oral testimony during the tribunal’s 2015 merits hearing. His work supported findings related to environmental and ecological impacts tied to disputed activities in the region.