The Council for People’s Development and Governance (CPDG) denounces the killing of Dr. Kent Carpenter last June 12 at his residence in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
Dr. Carpenter is an internationally renowned American marine biologist and a research associate at Siliman University (SU) in Dumaguete City; he made the Philippines his home, dedicating decades to studying its rich marine biodiversity, he co-authored the study that identified the Verde Island Passage (VIP) as the “center of marine shore fish biodiversity” and was among those who advocated for its designation as a World Heritage Site. He also provided testimonies and substantial evidence which helped the Philippines’ secure its unanimous award in the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling.
Irrespective of intent, this killing reflects the deeply seated culture of crime and government-induced impunity in the country, especially in the Island of Negros, where development workers, environmental and human rights defenders have long faced harassment, red-tagging, and worse killings. The unresolved killing of botanist Leonard Co, whose death remains without justice, stands as a reminder that perpetrators continue to evade accountability.
We stand in solidarity with the environmental defenders, marine science community, development workers, and all who mourn the tragic and senseless killing of Dr. Kent E. Carpenter. Scientists and those advancing the protection of biodiversity and the environment are not safe in a country that prioritizes the commodification of our natural resources.
We demand justice. We demand an impartial and independent investigation and the prosecution of all those responsible. We call on the government to ensure concrete protections for environmental and human rights defenders and dismantle the systems that enable these killings.
We likewise strongly urge the government to prioritize the legislation of the Human Rights Defenders Bill for the protection of environmental and human rights defenders in the country. #