An American national was shot dead in Sibulan town in Negros Oriental by three suspects who barged into his house late evening on July 12, 2026.

His Filipino companion was wounded.

This was confirmed by the Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region (NIR) in a media release on July 14.

PRO-NIR said the three suspects entered the victims’ home in Barangay Ajong around 11:30 p.m. while the victims were watching television.

One of suspects shot the American in the head, which resulted in his death.

In a report on Super Radyo dzBB, the victim was identified as Kent Edward Carpenter, 73.

Based on information gathered by GMA Regional TV News, Carpenter was a marine biologist and has long been staying in the Philippines.

PRO-NIR said it has formed a special investigation task group, SITG Carpenter, to look deeply into the incident.

“Forensic examinations are underway for both victims to establish all relevant medico-legal findings that may aid in the investigation. Investigators are likewise 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,” PRO-NIR said.

PRO-NIR Director, BGen. Romano Cardiño, assured the public, as well as foreign visitors, that the police are treating the case with utmost urgency.

“We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence. I have directed our investigators to exhaust all legal means to identify and apprehend those responsible at the soonest possible time. We assure the victim’s family, the community, and our foreign visitors that this case is being treated with utmost urgency, and no effort will be spared until justice is served,” Cardiño said.