MANILA, Philippines?The Optical Media Board has asked the Commission on Election to exempt its agents from the nationwide firearms ban implemented at the start of the election period on Sunday.

In a letter to Comelec chairman Jose Melo, OMB executive director Anthony Liongson said the OMB intelligence operatives needed their firearms for holding investigations, raids and other activities related to combating piracy and violations of intellectual property rights.

?Without the requested exemption, there would be a drastic reduction in the safety and security of [OMB?s] enforcement personnel,? Liongson said.

The OMB official submitted the names of about 150 agents applying for exemption for firearms, mostly pistols, and a few revolvers, shotguns, and rifles. Some agents have up to seven firearms.

Liongson added that OMB organic agents needed to protect themselves in holding investigation and intelligence operations against the illegal reproduction, manufacture, distribution and smuggling of counterfeit optical discs or materials.

The agents are also needed in enforcing seizures and confiscations of illegal equipment and counterfeit materials, through the serving of inspection orders and search warrants among others.

?With [these] law enforcement activities, threat to life and security of our personnel is inherent and unavoidable,? Liongson said.

Comelec Commissioner Lucenito Tagle, chair of the poll body?s committee on ban on firearms and security personnel, said he would look into the application of the OMB agents.

In an interview, Tagle said it was ?already too late? to amend Comelec?s resolution last month that identified the 35 government law enforcement agencies exempted from the gun ban.

?We will just look into their [OMB agents?] applications [for exemption] and see if they can be granted,? Tagle added.