American and Filipina wife executed in Dumaguete residence

An American national and his Filipina wife were shot dead inside their rented residence in Barangay Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City, in an early-morning attack that police are investigating amid reports that cash, jewelry and other valuables were taken from the house.

The couple’s caretaker identified the victims as Mark Duell, 72, an American citizen, and his 71-year-old Filipina wife, Elsie Duell.

The two were found with multiple gunshot wounds inside the living room of their rented home in Purok Katubhan, Barangay Bajumpandan, on Sept. 2.

According to initial reports from the Dumaguete City Police Station, authorities received a 911 call reporting the shooting at approximately 6:08 a.m. First responders were immediately dispatched to secure the area, followed by investigators and senior police officers.

Police said the shooting was believed to have occurred at around 4 a.m.

The caretaker told investigators that she was awakened around that time and saw an unidentified man armed with a handgun inside the house. Preliminary information also indicated that two unidentified men allegedly entered the residence, shot the couple and fled.

Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, earlier said police initially withheld the victims’ identities while the investigation was underway and out of respect for their family’s privacy.

Authorities have reportedly identified a person of interest, although no further details have been released. Police said the motive remains under investigation.

Cash, jewelry and other valuables missing

An initial inventory based on information provided by the caretaker and the victims’ family showed that several personal belongings and valuables were reportedly missing from the residence.

Among the items reported taken were assorted jewelry, wristwatches, cash, a wallet containing identification and banking cards, a laptop computer, passports and an Apple Watch.

Additional cash and valuables were also reported missing, although the total value has yet to be verified.

Despite the missing property, investigators have not officially concluded that robbery was the motive, saying all possible angles are still being examined.

Ballistic evidence recovered

Crime scene investigators recovered two fired cartridge cases, one slug, one live round of ammunition and one deformed slug from the residence.

The evidence has been secured for ballistic examination, cross-matching and other forensic testing as investigators work to determine the firearm used in the killings.

Police have formed Special Investigation Task Group “DUELL”, bringing together personnel from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office’s intelligence and investigative units, the Crime Laboratory/SOCO and the Dumaguete City Police Station.

Authorities said follow-up operations, witness interviews and evidence gathering are continuing as police work to identify and arrest those responsible for the couple’s killing.