Lorenzana: It's normal for Duterte to carry a gun

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday said it would be unusual if a gun enthusiast like President Rodrigo Duterte would not be armed, as he defended the president's action of showing off the gun tucked in his waistband to the public.

"Walang dapat ikatakot. Normal lang iyan sa kanya. He's been carrying guns since he became [Davao City] mayor, first in 1988, hanggang recently noong mayor pa siya. That's just normal for him," Lorenzana after Mindanao Hour at Malacañang.

Lorenzana said he himself carries a gun ever since he became secretary of the Department of National Defense for "protection."

He, however, denied that Duterte carries a firearm because of threats to his life.

"Wala naman (threats). It's just a precaution. Si presidente kasi he loves guns. Marami nga siya koleksyon kaysa sa akin. So he loves guns. He wants to tinker with guns," Lorenzana said.

On Saturday, the tough-talking Duterte showed off his gun tucked in his waistband during his speech at the 50th founding anniversary of Davao del Norte as he warned those who wish to destroy the country.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella did not give any comment when asked about Duterte' gun after Monday's Mindanao Hour. —KBK, GMA News