Comelec denies Gatdula’s application for gun ban exemption

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has rejected the application for gun ban exemption of former National Bureau of Investigation director Magtanggol Gatdula, according to a poll official.

“We have denied his application. He is now a private individual. He can have security detail but he applied for personal exemption,” said Comelec commissioner Elias Yusoph, who is also head of the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP).

Yusoph said that the Comelec could allow security escorts for Gatdula if he makes a request, “but (we cannot grant) him personal exemption because he is no longer connected with the government.”

The Comelec came up with the list of officials from the executive, legislative and judiciary who are exempted from gun control, which will be in effect until June 12.

Yusoph said that those not in the list may just apply for security escorts.          

The CBFSP had already received 2,064 applications.

He said the committee has already granted a total of “434 certificates of authority” to law enforcement agencies, security agencies, security details and foreign diplomats.      

The committee has approved eight out of 10 applications from the diplomatic community. The other two were deferred for lack of requirements.