Duterte reminds bets: More than two bodyguards is a private army

Having more than two bodyguards constitutes maintaining a private army which is against the country's election laws, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday warned Eleksyon 2022 candidates.

Speaking at his Talk to the People, Duterte asked the political parties to follow election laws, stressing that he would not take sides.

“We have decided and have communicated this with the Cabinet... The rule should really be followed… that more than two bodyguards would be considered  a private army,” Duterte said.

“ And if you think there is danger to your person, a certain place or person, ipatawag ng RD yan, ipatawag ng chief of police at kausapin. Maiwasan ‘yung away lalo na ang paggamit ng armas," he added.

(And if you think there is danger to your person and a certain place or person, call the regional director, call the chief of police and discuss matters to prevent quarrels and the use of guns.)

Duterte indicated that he would have arrested those candidates who would initiate disorder and violence during the remainder of the election period.

“I will arrest you and your bodyguards,” Duterte said.

“Tandaan ninyo, hindi kami papayag sa gobyerno na magkaroon ng terrorism sa eleksyon. Wala kaming kinakampihan,” he added.

(Remember, the government will not allow terrorism in this election. We are not taking sides.)

“We will enforce the law to make the elections peaceful," Duterte said.

Commission on Elections chairman Saidamen Pangarungan earlier in April announced that the poll body would give automatic gun ban exemptions to the Office of the Vice President, senators, congressmen, court justices, Cabinet secretaries up to assistant secretaries plus their security detail.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents, and election officers were also given the same privilege.

Comelec Resolution 10777 has amended Resolution No. 10728 which states the prohibition on unauthorized firearms and bodyguards ahead of the election period. -NB, GMA News