SITG Carpenter to Probe Fatal Shooting of American National in Sibulan

The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) has intensified its investigation into the fatal shooting of an American national and the wounding of his Filipino companion in Sitio Purok 3, Barangay Ajong, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, by creating a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to ensure the swift resolution of the case.

Initial police investigation disclosed that at approximately 11:30 p.m. on July 12, 2026, three still unidentified male suspects forcibly entered the victims’ residence while the victims were watching television. One of the suspects, armed with a handgun, allegedly shot the 73-year-old American national in the head, resulting in his death. His 34-year-old Filipino companion also sustained injuries during the incident and is currently undergoing medical and forensic examination.

To strengthen the investigation, PRO NIR has activated a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) composed of investigators and other specialized units that will focus on case buildup, intelligence gathering, evidence processing, and the immediate identification and arrest of the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, 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.

Police authorities continue to pursue all possible leads and motives behind the attack. Coordination with other law enforcement units and partner agencies has also been strengthened to facilitate the immediate identification and arrest of the suspects.

Regional Director, PBGEN Romano V. Cardiño, assured the public that PRO NIR is committed to delivering justice and bringing those responsible before the courts.

“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.”

PRO NIR also encourages anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station or contact the Sibulan Municipal Police Station. All information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality.* (PRO NIR)