Cavite gunman’s caretaker pleads not guilty

CAVITE, Philippines – John Paul Lopez, the house caretaker of Roland Bae, who went on a shooting rampage that left eight people dead and 10 others wounded, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment yesterday morning.

Public Attorney’s Office lawyer Victor Benitez assisted Lopez when he appeared before Judge Gloria Butay Aglugub of Regional Trial Court Branch 22 in Imus town at around 8:30 a.m.

Chief Inspector Reynaldo Magdaluyo, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Cavite, said Aglugub ordered the pre-hearing of Lopez’s case on March 20 and the pre-trial conference on June 17.

Lopez was charged with seven counts of murder, 11 counts of frustrated murder, direct assault, illegal possession of firearms and attempted murder.

Magdaluyo told The STAR the prosecution has airtight cases against Lopez, citing the testimonies of witnesses and the victims who survived the shooting.

“Lopez aided Bae during the shooting spree by reloading his .45 caliber pistol,” Magdaluyo said.