I got some shocking news earlier this week. Before giving you the news that I received, I want to lay out the underlying story for you first, though.
It all started back on January 22, just a couple of weeks ago. I am surprised, but what happened that day did not seem to get a huge amount of news coverage, at least not nearly what I thought it would.
You see, on January 22, a Canadian National who had been living in the Philippines went on a shooting spree in a courtroom in Cebu City. The Canadian’s name was John Pope. Pope had been living in the Philippines for 14 years, and apparently he had some troubles over that time. The information that I have received is that Pope was living in the Philippines with an SRRV Visa (Special Retiree’s Resident Visa).
Apparently, at the time of his shooting spree, Pope had two different things going on in the Philippine Legal System.
- Pope was facing charges for violence against women and children stemming from some issues with his former live-in partner.
- Pope had been involved in various incidents with his neighbors in Guadalupe, Cebu.
Apparently, on the day of the incident, Pope was at court in relation to his issues that he faced with his neighbors.
According to news reports, Pope had some long standing battles going on with several of his neighbors, dating back as mid-2000. Apparently, Pope owned a townhouse in Guadalupe. He had a complaint against one of his neighbors for some kind of very inconsequential problem, and when he complained to the Neighborhood Association President, the President did not do anything, so Pope apparently began harassing the President ever since then. Newspapers go as far as saying that Pope had confronted the President with a gun, and even bothered him at his place of work. This Association President was a Medical Doctor, so it would seem that he was probably a smart and well to do fellow.
The neighbors had so many problems with Pope that they even went to the Canadian Consulate in Cebu to file a complaint, but the Consulate told them that the issues should be addressed with local authorities, since this kind of thing was outside their jurisdiction. It finally came down to a court case being filed against Pope. When he went to the courthouse for his case, Pope shot several people. He killed two people in the courtroom, including the doctor/association President, and also a City Prosecutor. In the end, Pope also killed himself.
You know, there have been times when I have had issues with neighbors here in the Philippines too. During some of those problems, there have been times that I have been very mad, and could have possibly lost my cool. But, luckily that never happened, and such incidents have been resolved. Fact is, that incident was resolved in my favor too. But, I will say, my time in the Philippines has been almost exclusively having very nice neighbors and meeting lots of nice people. Those who have been mean or negative have been very few. But, an incident shows us that we have to keep our cool as much as possible. Once we start to lose our temper, it is possible that others will egg us on, because we are foreigners, and many of the local people may have an inclination to stick together. Because of that, avoid confrontational incidents as much as possible.
The News I received
Now, what was the disturbing news? Well, this past week, Feyma was contacted regarding this incident. She was told that before the shooting started in Cebu, John Pope was talking about me! The people wanted to know if I was a friend of Pope’s, or why he was talking about me! Frankly, I never heard of John Pope before this shooting incident. The only thing I can think of is that perhaps he read this website, and that is why he may have mentioned my name, although I can’t figure out in what possible context he may have mentioned me. So far, we have not been contacted again with any questions about this. I hope it has been put to rest, because I really don’t want to be involved in this at all.
Whatever happened, Mr. Pope, I hope you are at peace now. You certainly went out with a bang. Too bad that you didn’t seek some kind of help before embarking on the kind of incident that lead to your ultimate demise.
wow bob sorry about the mess and i hope it dos not cause any trouble for you .we don’t get a lot of news from the Philippines here in the states .if it was not for my wife reading the Philippine news on the net every morning we would no nothing about the navy ship that ran up on the coral over there.i watch the news every morning and still have herd nothing about that ship or the shooting your talking about .i wish we got better news over here
I don’t think it will cause any trouble, but you just never know. Yeah, that Navy ship is some story too! Surprised they have not reported on it there.
well my tagalog is so conty i still dont know much about that ship lol.i would like to know mire about it .it shocks me i watch CNN and FOX and the local news every morning and iv herd nothing
Yes BoB , i read about it on the Filippijnen Forum .Webside for most Belgian and Dutch expats who command and write about all
It was a bad situation, Anton!
Bob, you make a great point in this article and it could stand to be covered in more depth for new expats in the Philippines (maybe it’s own article). I remember when we first stayed at our newly purchased house in Cavite. It’s gated, with local filipinos, visting multinational residents and vacationing Balikbayans (kinda like snowbirds in Arizona). The rules were, let’s say, flexible for the locals and HOA management was, well, different than what we experience in the states. I’m thankful that our cousin gave us the same advise Bob did. There’s a certain way to handle issues that arise. Confrontation never helps, and courtesy and patience will serve you well. I’m no expert and still developing these skills today. I also remember our cousin telling us the immediate community around our development was “clannish” and to be polite and again, avoid confrontation. He basically relayed that a disgreement with one would invite problems with everyone. Fred, our cousin, is a typical smiling, cheerful filipino. But in this case, even through translation, I understood the seriousness of his statement.
Hi Ron – you know, being able to take advice or a hint from people is something that many of us foreigners are not so good at, I think. It sure is a very important skill to perfect, though.
true indeed….these foreigners should be made to understand very clearly that they are living in a foreign country with distinct culture from theirs…unfortunately, some really, they insist on their beliefs and refuse to understand. remember: while in rome, do what the romans do. my husband is on the same boat but he has learned to change, thank God!
You sure are right on that. I often tell foreigners that I meet that we cannot expect a hundred million Filipinos to change their ways to suit us, no it is up who must adjust!
CaviteRob,
Where at in Cavite? We’ll be vacationing there this comming May and staying close to Bacoor City Hall, and starting our initial house (looking/buying) adventure in Cavite. So any good location pointers from an established kano would be great. Been there a gazillion times over the years but just now getting close to full (2nd) federal retirement and ready to enjoy life there.
John D.
John D
John,
We bought a house in Tierra Bonita subdivision in Paliparan near Dasmarinas. It’s a small gated community with security, pool etc. You can see ads on sulit and ayosdito. There are other developments as well. I like the area, conveniently located between Manila and Tagaytay. Unfortunately I am not there full time yet as I am still working, based out of Arizona. Hopefully, I can fully relocate late in summer/fall. I still need to add on a full size kitchen as well. One bit of advice from my experience, when you select a property for purchase, speak with your future neighbors. If I had done this, I would have saved myself some money on the purchase price. Good luck in your search and let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rob,
I’m familiar with the Dasmarinas at area, as my sister-in-law lives in Noveleta and we go through there quite often. It is a nice place centrally located without all the traffic and close enough to Manila or Tagaytay for those occasional trips. I’ll check the subdivision you listed, and as long as the asawa is happy I don’t care where we live, as long as cold beer is close by :). Thanks for the tip on asking neighbors. Used to go to Mesa, Arizona quite often until we closed our air operations outta there, thank goodness as that summer heat (yea it’s dry heat my butt) was killing me. Thanks again!!
John D.
CaviteRob, John D,
I’m familiar with the Dasmarinas area. We looked at a subdivision in Dasmarinas, but it was just too far to drive because most of my fiances clients are in the Bacoor area and traffic is just too heavy. I see they are going to start building an expressway which starts where the Cavitex ends in Kawit and it will go all the way to the SLEX in Laguna going through silang. It will be called the Calax and supposed to be completed by 2017.
PapaDuck,
Imagine the traffic when they finish the Cavitex, holy friggin cow.. Bacoor (next to the city hall) is where my wife is from and where we spend most of our time while there. Bacoor was so small when i first started going there in the early 70’s, that I used to have drinks with the Chief of Police and Mayor every time I went there, probably cause I was the only 6ft 2in “kano” around there back then and stood out just a little. Going over in May this year for fiesta, love that place. Read a few of your post and it sounds like we’re in the same line of work, only mine is the air transport version.
John D
John D,
I like Bacoor too. Were looking to buy a house in Meadowoods Subdivision across from the SM Mall. My last day of work is May 27th. I work as a Corrections Officer in the local county jail. So you transport prisoners? Maybe i’ll run into you there sometime. Take care.
Though I don’t know all the details about the US Navy ship that ran aground on the reef, I do know this. The navy keep a tight lip on incidents involving their ships or aircraft. Generally the Captain Is held responsible and His feet held to the fire at a board of inquiry. if he is not Vindicated by the investigation of the incident/accident, He is stripped of command and it is a career ender. Because this was an environmentally protected reef and stiff penalties are applied for the damaged area of the reef, the Navy will remain quiet about it as much as possible so very little wil ever be seen in the US.
Probably one of the gun nuts who reprimanded me when I wrote the gun article.
Hope all goes well about the issue Bob
Hi Bob – An all very sad incident indeed. Thats why its always best to let sleeping dogs lay and keep your head down whilst living here in the Philippines.
Regards.
Jim.
I think that is good advice, Jim.
Also a good reason to rent instead of buy. If this guy had rented, he could simply have moved. Instead, he felt the need to fight for his rights. As Bob has so succinctly pointed out on many occassions, we foreigners are guests and our presence in the Philippines is by no means a right. Nothing wrong with buying. You just better be sure you can live comfortably if you plant roots in a community.
Hi Jamie – You know, I had not thought about it, but you are right, the rent vs. buy equation comes into play here. When I have had neighbor problems in the past, if they were bad enough or stressed me out, I moved. If you owned, like this gentleman did, you are sort of stuck.
I have excellent neighbours… Cobra snakes!
For some “strange reason” nobody wants to move-in close-by.
I am all alone!
Hi Bob, I have seen plenty of cobras here in the Philippines including one in my yard one time. I do try to avoid them though. 😉
I just “fixed” my first one (1,8m long) of 2013 ! However, that one, did bite my dog on the eye and mostly missed, therefore he was fine 12 hrs later… otherwise!
Very pesky neighbours, they always show-up in the middle of the night.
Bob,
Another thing that came into play is courtroom security. There is a good chance that would not have happened here in the US do to tight courtroom security. Everyone is usually searched and they and there belongings go through a scanner. But it should not have came to this if you just follow the rules and laws of the Philippines and try to work things out like adults. It seems like someone who has been there that long would have adjusted already or left the country. Take care and stay safe.
That is something that is really being questioned, PapaDuck. The Security Guards say that the did search the fellow, but how could they have, given that he brought in two guns? Yes, after he killed himself they found that he had two guns! You know, I often find that foreigners are not really searched well by the guards here. That has happened to me many times here, when I approach a place where they search people, they just give me a small tap on the back, and in no way give me a thorough search. I suspect that happened in this case.
Papaduck and Bob,
Pat searching is something that I am VERY used to doing. I think Papa is a C.O.(Correctional Officer) as well. Searching a human being for contraband a lot of things come into play. First and foremost is being uncomfortable “touching” people in places where most guns or other contraband would be hidden. Someone smart in this would hide their contraband in those locations. Also, laziness and complacency in the job is a HUGE factor. Someone that is in a job long enough without any issue becomes complacent and tends to not perform their job as well as they should. And, from what I have seen on YouTube, there seems to be a huge issue with someone from a lower “class” dealing with someone from a perceived higher “class”. THey are given more freedom. If this is true, then they may not have performed a satisfactory search due to their pereception that he was of a higher class than them. If that is the case, then training on this issue should be of utmost priority.
The court room is a place where a LOT of violence occurs, due to the nature of the beast. People are in a stressfull situation, and it made worse by decisions of a judge when found guilty, or similar situation.
Court rooms should be EXTREMELY secure because of what happens there.
Which brings another question to mind for me. Are the judges/prosecuting attorneys protected outside of the courthouse?
I personally think it is a class issue, Scott. They seem to think that if it is a foreigner then: a) they should not interfere with them and b) a foreigner would never do something like this anyway, so why pat them down thoroughly?
Bob, Scott,
I have to agree with Bob, I know when going into Malls there the Security Officers do barely place there hands on you. I agree too class issue is part of the problem too. So i can see contra band being brought into places there. Pat searching is a very important part of my job as in work in the Intake Area of our local jail. If you do a improper search that could mean you put another officers life in danger or drugs could be smuggled into the population. I know when i search i am very thorough and get into areas where it makes the arrestee uncomfortable and occasionally get complaints from them. Some of the officers i work with do not do very thorough searches, mostly do to laziness.
Thanks for your professional analysis on that Papa Duck. I think that our thinking is right in line.
My wife and I watched this news report on 24 Oras. At the time there was little explanation other than he seemed to be ‘another angry foreigner’. Later I saw an article about him trying to adopt or care for some children he had taken an interest in but he had some legal issues with that which he claimed was due to corrupt officials trying to extort money from him. Sad ending no matter what they issues really were. Sheds a bad light on all foreigners I’m afraid.
I’ve also had the cursory search so your probably right; they gave him a quick once over never imagining the consequences.
I am afraid you are right, Mark, this kind of thing paints a broad brush in labeling foreigners. It makes all of us look bad.
another tragic shooting and loss of innocent life ..and you are so right Bob ..we are guests in this nation and should respect all the customs and cultures ..and laws….hope nothing more comes toward you or your family over this ..
Things of this nature happen all over the place, and don’t get reported. I’m not saying I condone this mans actions, because it goes against all that I have stood for my entire life. I don’t pretend to know all about the Philippines, nor do I pretend to know about the culture, but I can see the people of a certain tight community, especially where a lot of communities are related in some way, bonding together to fight for and protect what they believe.
I am not naive enough to think that I will be accepted into the community I choose to live in, but will instead work towards acceptance to whatever level possible. In my planning for what I want where I live(ie pigs, chickens, etc.) I am already thinking about my neighbors. I don’t want them angry with me, so I want to move to an area that will give them some “breathing” space. I also don’t want to offend someone with my lack of cultural differences, so I am hoping that my wife will be helping in resolving issues, should they arise. I also intend on talking to the Barangay Captain before I even make a decision to rent. I think it’s a good idea to “check in” and get a feel for them too, since they play an integral role in resolving neighborhood issues.
This man committed a heinous crime, and will showed his knowing contempt for himself by committing suicide. While this doesn’t bring back those that were lost, it certainly, in my book at least, makes it a lot easier to deal with. I hate it when the U.S. government supports someone like that for the remaining years of their lives while those he killed are mourned and their families are affected forever.
A sad day. A sad ending. But, I’m not sure putting something like this on the news is a good things. So many people commit crimes like this simply for the notoriety. Not giving that to them might be a blessing in disguise.
I think that as a foreigner, we do have to work a little extra to gain acceptance in the communities where we choose to live. It’s kind of funny, we are both looked up to because we are foreigners, but we are also treated as suspicious in many ways. Strange…
To mindanao Bob. I am so sorry you were mentioned by that insane murderer. But after all you are on the internet. Anyone has access to your name. I have been visiting your site since last year. My interest is I am half Filipino and would love to go home. But I am also handicapped and I know the Philippines is not handicap friendly. So I visit online. I live in North Carolina, so remember, you never know who knows your name. Lol!!!
Hi Felisa – You are right, in many ways the Philippines is not handicapped friendly, but in many ways it is very friendly toward people with a handicap. What I mean is that in terms of accessibility, good sidewalks, wheelchair ramps and that sort of thing, it is a nightmare here for the handicapped. But, in terms of acceptance from people, friendliness and such, I think that the country is very friendly toward those who are handicapped. It’s a strange mix, but that is how I see it.
Agree with that Bob…..the people here go out of their way to help those with handicaps….the same can be said of how they treat the aged. (Older than me) 😀
Hi Greg, you know, the Philippine society is so family and people oriented. I find that if I treat people well, tjdw in out of their way to do something to help me. I think that a lot of us can learn a lot from Filipinos if we are willing to watch and listen.
Unfortunately these incidents happen too often everywhere around the globe. Another recent example is the Alabama man disgrunteled with his neighbors and government in general took a 5 year old child hostage after gunning down a school bus driver in front of several children.
As a 30year vet of Law Enforcement in the US and an applicant for SRRV in Philippines I hope they deceide to go with the metal detectors for court security as a means of halting incidents such as this.
Hi Robert – Yes, that was also a sad case! You are right, stuff like this happens all over the world. I’m just glad that in other cases they don’t mention my name!
I hope so too, John!
That’s what I am hoping too, Tom. I think it won’t turn into a big deal, though.
Correction-
This guy is an American not Canadian.
All news reports say that he is a Canadian Citizen who was born in the USA. Where did you get this information? If my information is wrong, I will correct it, but I have read dozens of news articles, and they all indicate he is a Canadian Citizen.
sure hope not. People just don’t know when to let things go.
As a resident here in Cebu, I followed this case closely. Here is what I believe…..
Mr Pope had good intentions in the beginning, but after dealing with people and not getting what he wanted he went berserk.
He had sent numerous envelopes to the local ABS-CBN station here detailing the troubles he was having..
I don’t believe he was still living in the unit where he was having problems.
I believe he had given up his SRRV status.
Some of the neighbors that were interviewed said he was a nice guy.
He sent many children to school on his dime.
He was allowed to just walk in with a “good morning sir”, as many of us foreigners are.
He had also “visited ” the Doctor at his his clinic to air his differences.
Watching and reading the news here, it seemed like the story changed daily.
I won’t condone the action he took, I think it was a case of him losing his cool over the system he faced.
As a former journalist he may have visited this sight and made comments under an assumed name? I am sure they confiscated his computer.
A sad story for sure.
Hi Greg, thanks for sharing your knowledge on the case, this pretty much lines up with the information I had read for the most part. I appreciate your input.
ps….he was Canadian
Yep, just as I understood.
Canadian citizen, yes. Born in US, moved to Canada, then moved to R.P. But what difference does that make? He was a nut bar who decided to settle his frustrations in life with a gun. The sad part is that these people always seems hurt other people before they do themselves in.
It makes no difference, I only mentioned it because another reader said he was not Canadian.
Hi Bob,
I know there’s a law in the RP about foreigners having a gun? Wonder where he got the gun?
Hi Todd – This guy actually had two guns! You are right, foreigners cannot legally own guns, but as I am sure you also know, many do anyway.
Bob,
I would not be surprised that him “talking about you” was just a rumor. It would be easy to go from “I wonder if he knew Bob” to …. Just a thought. My wife say’s if a pinoy does not know the news, it is okay to make up your own. :o)
Hi Mike – I am sure it is not a rumor. It was not just “regular people” who inquired, and the people who inquired with Feyma had very specific information which I cannot make public right now.
Hey Bob I agree w/you about the Filipino people. I am after all half, my father was Filipino. I am fluent in two dialects. My thing is here I can still be independant. Go where I want when I want. I hate people helping me but have learned to be gracious an say thank you when they do. Makes them feel good. But the one thing I really miss is the fruits and fresh seafood. I envy you all having that every day anytime. So eat some manga an lanzones an kaimito for me! Lol
Hi Felisa – OK, since you twisted my arm, I’ll eat some fruits for you today! 😆
Hi Bob,
It is so sad that this senseless violence was brought to the Philippines by a foreigner. I live in Metro Atlanta and it brings to mind the shootings in an Atlanta Courthouse that ended up with the Judge, Court Recorder, a Deputy, and later that day a Federal Agent being killed. I think this guy was counting on not patting him down thoroughly because he was a foreigner. What has happened to people valuing life?
It is just plain sad!
I agree, Scott, I feel like it is a bad part of American culture that gap been brought by a foreigner to the Philippines. It gives us other foreigners a bad name and brings something to the Philippines that doesn’t belong here.
The incident made news here in Toronto, Canada. I can imagine the shock you must have felt when you found out you were connected to this man in some unforeseen way. Unfortunately, this can happen anywhere in the world.
Yes, Maria, you are right, it can happen anywhere. Such a sad event.
hi bob. i like to read your articles concerning the philipines.they are imformative to all new comers to phil.you let people know how it is in the philipines.for myself bob i love the phil culture ,the people and whole of the philipines. .especially the great food my wife eleanor cooks. love the becol express. .i love the becol region great place to live bob.thankyou for your articles.geoff.
Glad you enjoy the Philippines like I do! It’s been a good life living here. The Philippines is not perfect, it has problems like any other country. But, I enjoy life here!
i agree bob; make friends with your neighbors, not war. i was lucky: my wife could make friends with any one, so we never had any trouble.
When it comes to making love or war with the neighbors, William, I don’t worry about my wife. I have to worry about myself on that, because I can go either way! 😆
Bob
when i was 19 years old, i worked as a legal researcher in Branch 62 judiciary court
here in Manila, ever since i never experienced that kind of incident. usually if there is a criminal proceedings, criminals was escorted by police officer and they put handcuffs to secured the people inside the courtroom. may be the police officer on duty trusted the accused not doing any violence because he is a foreigner.
That’s what I would suspect, Anne, the guard trusted the guy because he was a foreigner. Not a smart move, I’m afraid.
Wow he made a lot of enemies, and he wasn’t deported… in a way, I think this shows that it is not that easy to get deported, as it seems the process (unjust or just it may be) is still being followed…
It is not hard to get deported, if the person who wants you to be deported knows what to do.
Some comments suggested that he should have been handcuffed, but if he appeared in court on a civil case, there was no reason for him to be handcuffed. Patted, yes, definitely, but not handcuffed. As regards comments that court guards “trusted” him because he was a foreigner and therefore did not pat him is the height of stupidity and negligence of duty. Standard operating procedures, if there was one in place, are meant to be followed to the letter and applied indiscriminately regardless of the subject’s color, age, gender and social status. To do otherwise is negligence of duty. The guards should be held accountable for this tragedy.
Hi John – Unfortunately, it seems standard practice all over the Philippines that foreigners are not really searched very well. When I go to the mall or other places where you are searched at the entrance, I am often just waved through, or given just a touch instead of a thorough pat down. It has always concerned me, because a foreigner can be out for trouble just as much as a Filipino, as this incident showed.