Manila, July 15 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it now has two "persons of interest" (POI) in the fatal shooting of an American marine scientist and the alleged sexual assault of his Filipino partner in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

Negros Oriental Police director, Col. Timmar Alam, said the 34-year-old woman, who was the partner of Kent Carpenter, 73, is considered a POI, along with her sibling, who has been frequently visiting the couple's house.

"May POI na tayo, two na yung POI natin but hopefully, they can help us pinpoint yung mga suspects na nakita natin (the live-in partner). Sa ngayon she is still considered as POI and yung isang POI ay yung kapatid nung babae. Siya yung isa sa madalas na nakakapunta doon...