Trillanes says Philippines ‘not safe,’ seeks gun ban exemption

MANILA, Philippines — Saying that the Philippines is not a safe place and citing alleged threats to his life, opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and his escorts have sought an exemption from this year’s election gun ban.

Trillanes disclosed this during a regular forum at the Senate on Thursday.

“Yes, kasama tayo sa humingi ng exemption dahil alam nyo itong Pilipinas, hindi safe. Lalo pang pinagulo ni Mr. Duterte kaya kailangan ng mga nagbabantay natin ng gun ban exemption,” he said.

(Yes, we are asking for an exemption because the Philippines is not safe. Mr. Duterte has made it more dangerous that’s why our bodyguards need a gun ban exemption.)

The senator claimed that the alleged threats to his life came from President Rodrigo Duterte himself.

He cited various information reaching him about the President’s supposed order to have him killed.

“We know that this President is very vindictive. Saka ayaw nya na may kumokontra sa kanya,” said Trillanes, a staunch critic of the President.

(He does not like people going against him.)

If the alleged assassination plot against him was true, then the senator believes the people who were asked to do it are just waiting for an opportunity to execute the plan.

“Kami naman, hindi kami kumpiyansa. We’re doing what we need to do. Hindi lang padadaliin doon sa mga nagbabalak,” Trillanes said.

(We don’t lower our guard… We won’t make it easy for those planning to hurt us.)

The election gun ban took effect starting January 13 until June 12 this year. /cbb

READ: Comelec expands prohibitions as election period starts Jan. 13