Mayor: I didn't apply for gun ban exemption

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said Tuesday that she did not apply for gun ban exemption imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

"I did not apply for an exemption kay I know walay exemptions ginahatag, and it has been my practice not to bring guns outside of the firing range. Useless ang exemption sa akoa kay di gyud ko gadala ug baril (A gun ban exemption for me is useless because I don't bring guns)," Duterte told Sun.Star Davao in a text message.

The mayor was reacting to a news report (not Sun.Star Davao) Tuesday saying that she applied for a gun ban exemption with Comelec.

The mayor said she clarified with Comelec-Davao regional director Jay Balisado about the article that was published Tuesday.

"According to him that was not his statement. Misquoted, according to him," the mayor said.

Comelec Resolution No. 9561 prohibits anyone from carrying firearms outside homes and places of business unless authorized in writing by the election body starting January 13.

The ban also covers airguns, airsoft guns or replicas of firearms in "whatever form that can cause an ordinary person to believe that they are real." Also banned are shootfests.

Any violation of the ban is considered an election offense punishable by up to six years in prison and disqualification from holding public office.

The mayor also said: "I've never applied for exemptions because I never brought any gun with me since I was elected. I have a personal reason why I don't do that. I just rely on the assigned security detail for my personal safety and security."