Robbery, ‘inside job’ probed in Dumaguete couple’s killing

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Authorities are investigating robbery as a possible motive in the killing of a 72-year-old American national and his 71-year-old Filipina wife inside their home in Barangay Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, on Wednesday.

Police Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, or NOrPPO, said around PHP 60,000 in cash, assorted jewelry, and a laptop were reportedly missing from the couple’s residence.

With robbery being considered a possible motive, investigators are also looking into the possibility of an “inside job.”

Polinar said all angles are being considered, including the account of the couple’s helper, who was in separate living quarters when the incident occurred.

The couple was found with gunshot wounds in their living room after two unidentified individuals allegedly entered the house around 4 a.m.

Polinar described the case as challenging, saying investigators need to gather more evidence to establish what happened and identify those responsible.

He assured the public that police are conducting a deeper investigation and checking the couple’s background for possible leads.

Authorities have also coordinated with the U.S. Embassy and the family of the slain American’s Filipina wife.

The victims’ bodies were subjected to post-mortem examinations to determine the exact causes of death.

Polinar said the helper has been cooperative with investigators, but police are refraining from drawing conclusions while the investigation is ongoing.

A Special Investigation Task Group was created hours after the incident to focus on the investigation.

The killing came less than two months after 73-year-old American marine biologist Dr. Kent Carpenter was shot dead inside his home in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, on July 12 in what police later described as a robbery-homicide case.

Five suspects were subsequently charged with robbery with homicide in connection with Carpenter’s killing, while police continued pursuing other suspects.