MANILA, Philippines - Police probers are now looking at the possibility that the Canadian national who went on a shooting rampage inside Cebu City's hall of justice had an accomplice, a police official said Wednesday.
Senior Superintendent Mariano Natuel, acting chief of the Cebu City police, said that a task force that will focus on the courtroom shooting was formed on Tuesday night.
Natuel said that the focus of the investigation of the task force was how retired Canadian journalist John Holdridge Pope was able to sneak his guns in the Marcelo Fernan Memorial Hall of Justice (Palace of Justice).
"Ang focus namin ngayon, ng investigation, baka itong si John Pope meron siyang mga accomplice sa pagpasok ng baril niya," the police officer said, adding that they are looking at the possibility that a member of the hall of justice's security team allowed Pope to bring in his guns.
Pope, who was facing charges for illegal possession of firearms, grave threats and six counts of malicious mischief, killed Dr. Rene Rafols and lawyer Giovannie Achas during the shooting rampage. He also wounded Assistant City Prosecutor Maria Teresa Casiño.
Pope shot himself in the head after he was wounded by a responding policeman.
The Canadian used a .357 revolver during the shooting. A .45 pistol was also recovered from his bag.
Police earlier said that the Canadian hid the revolver in his sock.
Stricter security measures are now being implemented at the hall justice due to the shooting.