[ REPUBLIC ACT NO.

11917, July 30, 2022 ]

AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE REGULATION OF THE PRIVATE SECURITY SERVICES
INDUSTRY, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 5487, ENTITLED “AC ACT
TO REGULATE THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF PRIVATE DETECTIVE WATCHMEN
OR SECURITY GUARD AGENCIES”, AS AMENDED
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Short Title.
This Act shall be known as "The Private Security Services Industry Act."

Section 2. Declaration of Policies.

The State recognizes the vital role of the private sector in the protection of the people and
safeguarding of property as well as maintenance of peace and order in the country.

Towards this end, the State shall adopt measures to strengthen the regulation of the private security
services industry and establish quality standards to ensure competent private security personnel and
professionals that complement our law enforcement authorities in preservation of public order in the
country.
Section 3. Definition of country
As used in this Act:

(a) License to Exercise Security Profession (LESP)

refers to a permit issued by the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the duly
authorized representative, recognizing a natural person to be qualified to perform the
duties as security professional or training personnel;

(b) License to Operate (LTO)

refers to a permit issued by the Chief PNP or the duly authorized representative,
certifying and authorizing a person to engage in employing and deploying security
guards, K9 teams, protection agents, private detectives and other licensed specialized
security personnel; or a juridical person to establish, engage, direct, manage or operate
a private detective agency or private security agency or company guard force after
payment of the prescribed dues or fair and reasonable fees and after complying with all
the requirements as provided by the rules and regulations implementing this Act;

(c) Pre-Licensing Training Programs

refer to licensing pre-requisite and pre-licensing training programs that include all training
and academic programs and courses with the objective to indoctrinate the individual with
the basic skills and educational backgrounds necessary in the effective exercise and
performance of the security and detective profession. These include, but are not limited
to, the Basic Security Guard Course and the Security Officers Training Course;

(d) Private Security Agency (PSA)

o refers to any person, natural or juridical, who contracts, recruits, furnishes or
posts any security guard,
o to perform its functions or solicit individuals, businesses, firms, or private, public
or government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to engage its service
or those of its security guards, for hire, commission or compensation through
subscription or as a consultant/trainer to any private or public corporation whose
 business or transactions involve national security or interest like the operation
and/or management of domestic or ocean vessels, airplanes, helicopters,
seaports, airports, heliports, landing strips among others or as consultant on any
security related matter, or to provide highly specialized security, private escort,
detective and investigation services like gangway security, catering security,
passenger profiling, baggage examination, providing security on board vessels or
aircraft, or other security needs that the PNP may approve;

(e) Private Security Industry

refers to the industry that is engaged in providing security consultancy, management,
administration, operation, and provision of private or company watchman, guarding,
investigative work, security training, K9 security, armored vehicle security services, alarm
system monitoring services, closed-circuit television (CCTV) suppliers and other
providers of security hardware, security hardware operation, personal protection
services, or security consultant;

(f) Private Security Professional (PSP)

refers to a person who is issued a valid LESP of any classification or category, issued by
the designated government agency after satisfying all the qualifications and requirements
set forth by this law and its implementing rules and regulations. It includes security
watchmen, security guards, security officers, personal security escorts, private
investigators, training officers and directors, K9 handlers, K9 administrators, K9
evaluators, K9 trainers, kennel masters and other certified or licensed security service
providers rendering or performing security, investigation, security escorting services,
security hardware planners and systems designers, security hardware operators,
security managers, security consultants whether employed by private security agencies,
private corporations, government agencies or independently practicing or providing
professional security services;

(g) Private Security Services

refer to the act of providing or rendering security services for compensation pursuant to
mutually agreed terms of reference and contract and shall include the act of providing or
rendering services to watch an establishment, whether public or private, building,
compound/area or property, to conduct access control/denial in any form whether
physically, manually or scientifically by electronic monitoring systems, for the purpose of
securing such area/property and at the same time ensuring safety and protection of
persons within such areas, to maintain peace and order within such areas, to conduct
private security training, and/or to conduct investigation. It shall also include the act of
contracting, recruiting, training, furnishing or posting any security guard, to do its
functions or solicit individuals, businesses, firms, or private, public or GOCCs to engage
its service or those of its security guards, for hire, commission or compensation through
subscription or as a consultant/trainer to any private or public corporation;

(h) Private Security Training Agency (PSTA)

refers to any person, natural or juridical, who engages in the business of providing
training and academic programs and courses duly approved and prescribed by the PNP
and adopted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). It
includes the training for pre-licensing requirements of individual security guards and
other security professionals, the periodic and non-periodic in-services skill refreshers for
such security personnel, and other specialized, individual or group, private security
personnel skills development;
 Security Consultant
(i) refers to a security professional authorized by law to provide security services such as
design and formulation of a security plan, threat and vulnerability assessment, resiliency
planning, security surveying, security auditing, risk management, travel security training,
event security planning and management, emergency and incident planning and
management, crisis management, business continuity and other services related to the
formulation of security-related solutions other than providing guards and watchmen;

(j) Security Hardware

refers to any mechanical or electrical device, which is designed and used for the detection of an
unauthorized entry into a facility, for alerting others of the commission of an unlawful or
unauthorized act within a building, structure or facility, identification and screening, control, repel and
prevent entry of persons and vehicles of person and materials, recording and documentation of
activities and events, repel and prevent aggression to a person or a facility; and

(k) Security Hardware and Systems Designers and Planners

refer to the security professionals who specialize in the design of security systems using
a combination of security software and hardware to address security requirements of a
facility and the training for their operation and maintenance.

CHAPTER II
REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF PRIVATE SECURITY AGENCY

Section 4. Private Security Agency (PSA).

— Any Filipino citizen or juridical entity wholly owned and controlled by Filipino citizens may
organize a private security agency and provide security services: Provided, That they shall not
employ more than two thousand (2,000) private security professionals as defined in this Act.

Section 5. PSA Operator or Licensee.

— No applicant shall be granted a license to operate a PSA unless the applicant possesses the
following qualifications:
(a) Must be at least twenty-five (25) years of age;
(b) Must hold a bachelor's degree;
(c) Must be a part owner of the company or in case of juridical entity, holder of at least one
(1) share of stock with voting rights;
(d) Must be of good moral character;
(e) Must not have been convicted of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude; and
(f) Must be physically and mentally fit, and passed the neuro-psychiatric test and drug test
administered by the PNP or other similar government centers and facilities:

Provided, That in case of juridical entity, the named operator or licensee shall be its President or any
of its directors complying with the above requirements and duly authorized by their Board of
Diroperate

Section 6. License to Operate.

— A license to operate issued by the Chief PNP is required to operate and manage a PSA and
PSTA:
Provided, That an LTO for PSTA shall be granted only to a training school, institute, academy, or
educational institution which offers courses prescribed and approved by the PNP or training
programs accredited by TESDA.
Section 7. Period of Validity of LTO.
— The LTO issued to PSA and PSTA shall be valid for a maximum period of five (5) years, subject
to renewal: Provided, That the Chief PNP may set a shorter validity period for LTO with applicable
fair and reasonable fees adjusted accordingly.

Section 8. Fees and Bond to be Paid.

— Every application for LTO shall be accompanied by a bond issued by competent or reputable
surety, fidelity or insurance company duly accredited by the Insurance Commission. The bond shall
be used to answer to any valid and legal claim against the agency by its clients or employees. The
amount of bond to be determined by the Chief PNP must be reasonable and should depend on
the number of PSPs employed.

Section 9. Administrative Fee of PSAs.

— The minimum administrative fee that may be charged by PSAs to its clients shall not be less than
twenty percent (20%) of the total contract cost, subject to adjustment by the Department of Labor
and Employment: Provided, That additional fees shall be charged for the acquisition and
maintenance of extraneous tools and equipment used for security operation by the agency or
required by the clients and for the continuous deployment of PSPs in hazardous conditions.

Section 10. Issuance of Firearms.

— A PSA shall be entitled to possess firearms after having successfully passed the requirements
prescribed by the Chief PNP and in accordance with Republic Act No. 10591 or the "Comprehensive
Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act": Provided, That a PSA shall only be allowed to possess
small arms, not exceeding one (1) firearm for each PSP, to include single-post, in its
employ: Provided, further, That possession of firearms by PSPs shall only be allowed during their
tour of duty, in proper uniform, within the compound of the establishment, except when they escort
and secure large amounts of cash or valuables, which firearms must be determined by the
PNP: Provided, finally, That inventory of firearms of PSAs shall be subject to periodic inspection by
the PNP.

Section 11. Uniform.

— The uniform of PSPs shall be different from the uniform worn and prescribed for members of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the PNP and other law enforcement authorities. The PNP,
through the authorized representative, shall prescribe the uniform, ornaments, equipment and
paraphernalia to be worn by the PSPs while on duty.

CHAPTER III
PRIVATE SECURITY PROFESSIONALS
Section 12. License to Exercise Security Profession (LESP).
— No applicant shall be granted license to exercise private security profession unless the applicant
possesses the following qualifications:
(a) Must be of legal age;
(b) Must be a Filipino citizen;
(c) Must be physically and mentally fit;
(d) Must be of good moral character; and
(e) Must not have been convicted of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude.

For purposes of securing an LESP, a letter of authority to conduct training must be issued by the
Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agency (SOSIA). Such training includes the pre-
licensing requirements of the individual PSPs, periodic and non-periodic in-service skill refreshers for
such security personnel, and other specialized, individual or group, PSP skills
development: Provided, That the Chief PNP shall provide for additional qualifications for security
consultant and security officers based on the industry requirements and practice.

Section 13. Period of Validity of LESP.

— The LESP of duly qualified PSPs shall be valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of its
issuance.

Section 14. Pre-Licensing Training.

— No person shall be granted an LESP without undergoing the Pre-Licensing Training Program as
defined in this Act: Provided, That the PNP shall encourage opening of local and regional security
training centers to provide pre-licensing trainings to applicants.

Section 15. Ladderized Training and Education.

— The PNP, in partnership with private security training institutions or public institutions duly
accredited by the government to provide such training education to private security professionals,
shall develop ladderized training and education which include basic security guard courses,
specialized security guard courses, security officers training courses, detective training courses, and
candidate protection agent courses. It shall also include enhancement trainings, such as but not
limited to, supervisory trainings, personal upliftment and other specialized trainings to place the
security professional a level up from his current position.

CHAPTER IV
PENAL PROVISIONS
Section 16. Penalties.
— Any violation of the provisions of this Act shall, after due notice and hearing, be subject to the
corresponding penalties herein provided:

(a) A license to operate of a PSA may be cancelled, revoked or suspended by the Chief PNP
when:
(1) It takes part in an armed conflict against the government;
(2) It uses force or the threat of force or those it represents in a national or local
electoral contest;
(3) It uses its authority to be involved in human rights violations;
(4) It is used as a privately owned and operated para-military organization operating
outside of the regulatory framework established by this law and the implementing
rules and regulations adopted by the PNP;
(5) It intentionally and maliciously makes use of electronic security devices or remote
video surveillance in a manner that violates the privacy of civilians;
(6) It acted with gross negligence in dealing with violations, or mistakes of its
members, or incompetency in its ranks;
(7) Its named operator or licensee is convicted by final judgement of any crime or
felony;
(8) It violates any provision of Presidential Decree No. 442, otherwise known as the
"Labor Code of the Philippines," as amended, including its implementing rules and
regulations; and
(9) It acted in a manner which renders the PSA a detriment to the maintenance of
peace and order.
(b) Any PSA or any entity which operates without a valid LTO shall suffer the penalty of a
fine of not less than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00) and not more than Five million pesos
(P5,000,000.00) at the discretion of the Chief PNP;
 (c) Any PSA or any entity which operates with an expired LTO shall suffer the penalty of a
fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) and not more than One hundred
thousand pesos (P100,000.00) at the discretion of the Chief PNP;
(d) Any person practicing private security profession without a valid license or with only an
expired license shall suffer the penalty of a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos
(P50,000.00) and not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) at the
discretion of the Chief PNP. The same penalty shall be imposed upon a PSA who shall
(awÞhi(

deploy any person practicing private security profession without a valid license or with only
an expired license;
(e) Any person who offers to render or renders services to persons or places conducting
illegal activities shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than twelve (12) years
and one (1) day to twenty (20) years, and a fine of One million pesos (P1,000,000.00), at the
discretion of the court, without prejudice to criminal prosecution under other laws; and
(f) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Act not mentioned in the preceding
subsections shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than six (6) months and one
(1) day to six (6) years, or a fine of One million pesos (P1,000,000.00), or both, at the
discretion of the court, and cancellation or suspension of its license with forfeiture of the
bond without prejudice to criminal prosecution under other laws.

If the offender is a juridical entity, the penalty shall be imposed upon the officer or officers of the
juridical entity who participated in the decision that led to the violation of any provision of this Act,
without prejudice to the cancellation of their license issued by the PNP.

CHAPTER V
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 17. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
— The PNP, in consultation with stakeholders and other national private security associations,
representatives of private security cooperatives and other stakeholders of the security industry, and
subject to the provisions of existing laws, shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to
implement the provisions of this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity. Furthermore, the
Chief PNP shall consult with the said stakeholders prior to the issuance of all regulations and
issuances related to and affecting the private security services industry. The PNP is mandated to
review the IRR every three (3) years.

Section 18. Separability Clause.

— If any part or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any
provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.ᇈ WᑭHIL

Section 19. Repealing Clause.

— Republic Act No. 5487 is hereby repealed. All other laws, presidential decrees or issuances,
executive orders, letters of instruction, rules, regulations and administrative orders inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 20. Effectivity.

— This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or
in a newspaper of general [Link],
(SGD.) VICENTE C. SOTTO III (SGD.) LORD ALAN JAY Q. VELASCO
President of the Senate Speaker of the House of Representatives
This Act was passed by the Senate of the Philippines as Senate Bill No. 2423 on May 23, 2022 and
adopted by the House of Representatives as an amendment to House Bill No. 8783 on May 23,
2022.
(SGD.) MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICA (SGD.) MARK LLANDRO L. MENDOZA
 Secretary of the Senate Secretary General House of Representatives
Approved: Lapsed into law on JUL 30 2022 without the signature of the President, in accordance
with Article VI Section 27 (1) of the Constitution.
RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
President of the Philippines
REPUBLIC ACT No. 5487
AN ACT TO REGULATE THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF PRIVATE DETECTIVE,
WATCHMEN OR SECURITY GUARDS AGENCIES.
(Rep. Act No. 5487, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 11.)
Section 1. Short Title of Act.
This Act shall be known as "The Private Security Agency Law."

Section 2. Scope of this Act.

The organization, operation, business and activities of private detectives, watchmen or security
guards agencies shall be governed by the provisions of this Act.
Section 3. Definition of Terms.
(a) Person. As used in this Act, person shall include not only natural persons but also juridical
persons such as corporation, partnership, company or association duly registered with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and/or the Bureau of Commerce.
(b) Private Detective Agency. A private detective agency is any person, who, for hire or reward or on
commission, conducts or carries on or holds himself or itself out as conducting or carrying on a
detective agency, or detective service.
(c) Private Detective. A private detective is any person who is not a member of a regular police
agency of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who does detective work for hire, reward, or
commission.
(d) Watchman or Security Guard, Watchman or Security Guard Agency. Any person who offers or
renders personal service to watch or secure either residential or business establishment, or both, or
any building, compound, or area including but not limited to logging concessions, agricultural, mining
or pasture lands for hire or compensation, or as an employee thereof shall be known as watchman
or security guard; and any person, association, partnership, or corporation, who recruits, trains,
muster, furnishes, solicits individuals or business firms, private or government-owned or controlled
corporations to engage his service or those of its watchmen, shall be known as Watchman of
Security Guard Agency. (As amended by Pres. Decree No. 11, October 3, 1972.)
Section 4. Who May Organize a Security or Watchman Agency.
Any Filipino citizen or a corporation, partnership, or association, with a minimum capital of five
thousand pesos, one hundred per cent of which is owned and controlled by Filipino citizens may
organize a security or watchman agency: Provided, That no person shall organize or have an
interest in, more than one such agency except those which are already existing at the promulgation
of this Decree: Provided, further, That the operator or manager of said agency must be at least 25
years of age, a college graduate and/or a commissioned officer in the inactive service of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines; of good moral character; having no previous record of any conviction of
any crime or offense involving moral turpitude and not suffering from any of the following
disqualifications:
(1) Having been dishonorably discharged or separated from the Armed Forces of the
Philippines;
(2) Being a mental incompetent;
(3) Being addicted to the use of narcotic drug or drugs; and
(4) Being a habitual [Link]

For purposes of this Act, elective or appointive government employees who may be called upon on
account of the functions of their respective offices in the implementation and enforcement of the
provisions of this Act and any person related to such government employees by affinity or
consanguinity in the third civil degree shall not hold any interest, directly or indirectly in any security
guard or watchman agency. (As amended by Pres. Decree No. 11.)
Section 5. Qualifications Required.
No person shall be employed as security guard or watchman or private detective unless he is:
(a) a Filipino citizen;
(b) a high school graduate;
(c) physically and mentally fit;
(d) not less than 21 nor more than 50 years of age;
(e) at least 5 feet and 4 inches in height; and
(f) suffering none of the disqualifications provided for in the preceding section:
Provided, That foreigners who are already employed as watchmen or security guards prior to the
approval of this Act shall not be subject to the above-mentioned requirements: Provided, further,
That veterans shall be given priority in employment as security guard, watchman or private
detective: And provided, finally, That person convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude shall
not be employed as security guard, watchman or private detective.
Section 6. License Necessary.
No person shall engage in the business of, or act either as a private detective, or detective agency;
and either engage in the occupation, calling or employment of watchman or in the business of
watchman's agency without first having obtained the necessary permit from the Chief, Philippine
Constabulary which permit as approved is prerequisite in obtaining a license or license certificate:
Provided, That all existing private detective or watchman or security guard agencies shall have a
period of one (1) year from the approval of this Act to secure the said license: Provided, further, That
existing agencies, and any new agency which may hereafter apply for a license, certify under oath
that their private detectives, watchmen or security guards, have received the appropriate training
from either the Philippine Constabulary, the National Bureau of Investigation, any local police
department, or any other public institution duly recognized by the government to conduct police
training.

Section 7. Application for License.

The application shall be made in writing and shall be filed with the Chief, Philippine Constabulary. It
shall contain the full name of the applicant, his age, civil status, his residence, and location of
business. If the applicant is a corporation, association or partnership, a copy of the certificate of
registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission together with its by-laws and articles of
incorporation, with the Bureau of Commerce.

Section 8. Fees to be Paid and Bonds.

When all requisites for the issuance of the license have been complied with, the Chief of the
Philippine Constabulary or his duly authorized representative shall issue a permit for the issuance of
such license and register the same in his office, upon payment by the applicant of the fee in
accordance with the following schedule:
(a) the sum of one hundred pesos per annum as national license;
(b) the sum of fifty pesos per annum as municipal license fee in any city where it may
operate, the said fee to be payable to the city treasurer concerned;
(c) the sum of twenty-five pesos per annum as municipal license fee for any municipality
where it may operate, the said fee to be payable to the municipal treasurer concerned;
(d) the private Detective and Watchman Agency shall in addition to the above pay a fixed
Internal Revenue Tax of one hundred pesos per annum in lieu of percentage taxes;
(e) the individual private detective and/or watchman shall pay for Mayor's Permit, Health
and/or Sanitary fee an amount not exceeding three pesos per annum and the agency shall
 pay the sum not exceeding ten pesos for the Mayor's Permit and Health and/or Sanitary
fees; and
(f) the Chief of the Philippine Constabulary or his duly authorized representative shall issue
an appointment over his signature and affix the seal of his office, to each license and for
each such appointment, the sum of one peso shall be paid. [Link]

The application shall further be accompanied by a bond issued by any competent or reputable surety
or fidelity or insurance company duly accredited by the office of the Insurance Commissioner in the
sum of not less than five thousand pesos nor more than ten thousand pesos in the discretion of the
Chief, Philippine Constabulary, which bond shall answer for any valid and legal claim against the
agency by its clients or employees: Provided, That licenses issued in the province of an authorized
representative of the Chief of Constabulary is subject to review by the Chief of Constabulary.
Any provision of this or other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the Chief of Constabulary may, at
any time suspend or cancel the licenses of private watchman or security guard agency found
violating any of the provisions of this Act or of the rules and regulations promulgated by the Chief of
Constabulary pursuant thereto. (This paragraph was inserted by Sec. 3, Pres. Decree No. 11.)
Other provisions of Pres. Decree No. 11
Any person who commit any act in violation of Republic Act No. 5487 and of this Decree, and the
implementing rules and regulations already promulgated which are not in conflict herewith, and
those to be promulgated by the Chief of Constabulary pursuant hereto, shall, on conviction thereof,
suffer imprisonment of from ten to fifteen years and a fine of not less than ten thousand pesos nor
more than fifteen thousand pesos as a military court/tribunal or commission may direct.
The Chief of Constabulary shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the
provisions of this Decree.
Section 9. Employees Need Not be Licensed.
Every person operating, managing, directing or conducting a licensed private detective or watchmen
agency shall also be considered licensed private detective, or watchman and no person shall be
employed or used in a private detective work unless he be a licensed private detective or watchman:
Provided, That nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring detective license for persons
employed solely for clerical or manual work.

Section 10. Display of License.

The license shall be displayed at all times in a conspicuous and suitable place in the agency office
or headquarters of the agency and shall be exhibited at the request of any person whose jurisdiction
is in relation with the business of the agency or the employees thereof, or of the Chief of the
Philippine Constabulary or his duly authorized representative or any peace officer.

Section 11. Supervision of the Philippine Constabulary.

Upon approval of this Act, the Philippine Constabulary shall exercise general supervision over the
operation of all private detective and watchman or security guard agencies.

Section 12. Powers of City or Municipal Mayors in Cases of Emergency.

In case of emergency or in times of disaster or calamities where the services of such agencies
arise, the City or Municipal Mayor, as director of Civil Defense, may muster or incorporate the
services of the agency nearest the area where such emergency, disaster or calamity arises and its
duly licensed personnel to help maintain peace and order; and/or the prevention or apprehension of
law violators and in the preservation of life and property. Deputized private detectives, watchmen or
security guards shall take direct orders from the Chief of Police for the duration of the fire,
inundation, earthquakes, riots or other emergencies.

Section 13. Issuance of Firearms.

A watchman or security agency shall be entitled to posses firearms after having satisfactorily passed
the requirements prescribed by the Chief, Philippine Constabulary pertinent to the possession of
firearm of any caliber not higher than 45 caliber in a number not exceeding one firearm for every two
watchmen or security guards in its employ: Provided, however, That a watchman or security agent
shall be entitled to possess not more than one riot gun or shotgun in order to provide adequate
security when circumstances so demand: Provided, further, That all the firearms mentioned herein
shall be carried by the watchman or security guard only during his tour of duty in proper uniform
within the compound of the establishment except when he escorts big amounts of cash or valuables
in and out of said compound.

Section 14. Uniform.

The uniform of watchman or security guard as well as those organized, maintained or under the
employment of the government or any government-owned and/or controlled corporations, agencies
or entities, shall be different from the uniform worn and prescribed for members of the Armed Forces
of the Philippines, City and Municipal Police Force. The Chief, Philippine Constabulary, through his
duly authorized representative shall prescribed the uniform or ornaments, equipment and
paraphernalia to be worn by the security guards and watchmen throughout the Philippines.

Section 15. Compensation of Watchmen or Security Guards.

Watchmen or security guards shall receive a salary not lower than that prescribed in the Minimum
Wage Law.

Section 16. Limitations and Prohibitions.

1. On Membership:
(a) No agency operating in the City of Manila and suburbs may employ more than 1,000 watchmen
or security guards;
(b) no agency operating in other cities and first class municipalities may employ more than 500
watchmen or security guards;
(c) no agency operating in municipalities other than first class may employ more than 200
watchmen or security guards.
2. On Organization: No person, corporation, partnership or association may organize more
than one agency in any one city or municipality.
3. On Service: No agency shall offer, render or accept its services to gambling dens or other
illegal enterprises. The extent of the security service being provided by any security agency
shall not go beyond the whole compound or property of the person or establishment
requesting the security service except when they escort big amount of cash.

Section 17. Rules and Regulations by Chief, Philippine Constabulary.

The Chief of the Philippine Constabulary, in consultation with the Philippine Association of Detective
and Protective Agency Operators, Incorporated and subject to the provisions of existing laws, is
hereby authorized to issue the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act.

Section 18. Penal Provisions.

Any violation of this Act or the rule or regulation issued hereunder shall be punished by suspension,
or fine not exceeding P200.00 or cancellation of his or its licenses to operate, conduct, direct or
manage a private detective, watchman or security guard agency and all its members in the
discretion of the court together with the forfeiture of its bond filed with the Philippine Constabulary.
If the violation is committed by those persons mentioned under paragraph two, section four of this
Act the penalty shall be imprisonment ranging from one to four years and fine ranging from one to
four thousand pesos in the discretion of the court.

Section 19. Repealing Clause.

All laws, rules, resolutions, municipal ordinances, regulations and administrative orders contrary or
inconsistent with the provisions hereof are hereby repealed.
Section 20. Effectivity.
This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved, June 21, 1969.

REPUBLIC ACT No. 5487

AN ACT TO REGULATE THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF PRIVATE DETECTIVE,
WATCHMEN OR SECURITY GUARDS AGENCIES.
(Rep. Act No. 5487, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 11.)
Section 1. Short Title of Act.
This Act shall be known as "The Private Security Agency Law."

Section 2. Scope of this Act.

The organization, operation, business and activities of private detectives, watchmen or security
guards agencies shall be governed by the provisions of this Act.
Section 3. Definition of Terms.
(a) Person. As used in this Act, person shall include not only natural persons but also juridical
persons such as corporation, partnership, company or association duly registered with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and/or the Bureau of Commerce.
(b) Private Detective Agency. A private detective agency is any person, who, for hire or reward or on
commission, conducts or carries on or holds himself or itself out as conducting or carrying on a
detective agency, or detective service.
(c) Private Detective. A private detective is any person who is not a member of a regular police
agency of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who does detective work for hire, reward, or
commission.
(d) Watchman or Security Guard, Watchman or Security Guard Agency. Any person who offers or
renders personal service to watch or secure either residential or business establishment, or both, or
any building, compound, or area including but not limited to logging concessions, agricultural, mining
or pasture lands for hire or compensation, or as an employee thereof shall be known as watchman
or security guard; and any person, association, partnership, or corporation, who recruits, trains,
muster, furnishes, solicits individuals or business firms, private or government-owned or controlled
corporations to engage his service or those of its watchmen, shall be known as Watchman of
Security Guard Agency. (As amended by Pres. Decree No. 11, October 3, 1972.)
Section 4. Who May Organize a Security or Watchman Agency.
Any Filipino citizen or a corporation, partnership, or association, with a minimum capital of five
thousand pesos, one hundred per cent of which is owned and controlled by Filipino citizens may
organize a security or watchman agency: Provided, That no person shall organize or have an
interest in, more than one such agency except those which are already existing at the promulgation
of this Decree: Provided, further, That the operator or manager of said agency must be at least 25
years of age, a college graduate and/or a commissioned officer in the inactive service of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines; of good moral character; having no previous record of any conviction of
any crime or offense involving moral turpitude and not suffering from any of the following
disqualifications:
(1) Having been dishonorably discharged or separated from the Armed Forces of the
Philippines;
(2) Being a mental incompetent;
 (3) Being addicted to the use of narcotic drug or drugs; and
(4) Being a habitual drunkard.
[Link]

For purposes of this Act, elective or appointive government employees who may be called upon on
account of the functions of their respective offices in the implementation and enforcement of the
provisions of this Act and any person related to such government employees by affinity or
consanguinity in the third civil degree shall not hold any interest, directly or indirectly in any security
guard or watchman agency. (As amended by Pres. Decree No. 11.)
Section 5. Qualifications Required.
No person shall be employed as security guard or watchman or private detective unless he is:
(a) a Filipino citizen;
(b) a high school graduate;
(c) physically and mentally fit;
(d) not less than 21 nor more than 50 years of age;
(e) at least 5 feet and 4 inches in height; and
(f) suffering none of the disqualifications provided for in the preceding section:
Provided, That foreigners who are already employed as watchmen or security guards prior to the
approval of this Act shall not be subject to the above-mentioned requirements: Provided, further,
That veterans shall be given priority in employment as security guard, watchman or private
detective: And provided, finally, That person convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude shall
not be employed as security guard, watchman or private detective.
Section 6. License Necessary.
No person shall engage in the business of, or act either as a private detective, or detective agency;
and either engage in the occupation, calling or employment of watchman or in the business of
watchman's agency without first having obtained the necessary permit from the Chief, Philippine
Constabulary which permit as approved is prerequisite in obtaining a license or license certificate:
Provided, That all existing private detective or watchman or security guard agencies shall have a
period of one (1) year from the approval of this Act to secure the said license: Provided, further, That
existing agencies, and any new agency which may hereafter apply for a license, certify under oath
that their private detectives, watchmen or security guards, have received the appropriate training
from either the Philippine Constabulary, the National Bureau of Investigation, any local police
department, or any other public institution duly recognized by the government to conduct police
training.

Section 7. Application for License.

The application shall be made in writing and shall be filed with the Chief, Philippine Constabulary. It
shall contain the full name of the applicant, his age, civil status, his residence, and location of
business. If the applicant is a corporation, association or partnership, a copy of the certificate of
registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission together with its by-laws and articles of
incorporation, with the Bureau of Commerce.

Section 8. Fees to be Paid and Bonds.

When all requisites for the issuance of the license have been complied with, the Chief of the
Philippine Constabulary or his duly authorized representative shall issue a permit for the issuance of
such license and register the same in his office, upon payment by the applicant of the fee in
accordance with the following schedule:
(a) the sum of one hundred pesos per annum as national license;
(b) the sum of fifty pesos per annum as municipal license fee in any city where it may
operate, the said fee to be payable to the city treasurer concerned;
(c) the sum of twenty-five pesos per annum as municipal license fee for any municipality
where it may operate, the said fee to be payable to the municipal treasurer concerned;
 (d) the private Detective and Watchman Agency shall in addition to the above pay a fixed
Internal Revenue Tax of one hundred pesos per annum in lieu of percentage taxes;
(e) the individual private detective and/or watchman shall pay for Mayor's Permit, Health
and/or Sanitary fee an amount not exceeding three pesos per annum and the agency shall
pay the sum not exceeding ten pesos for the Mayor's Permit and Health and/or Sanitary
fees; and
(f) the Chief of the Philippine Constabulary or his duly authorized representative shall issue
an appointment over his signature and affix the seal of his office, to each license and for
each such appointment, the sum of one peso shall be paid. [Link]

The application shall further be accompanied by a bond issued by any competent or reputable surety
or fidelity or insurance company duly accredited by the office of the Insurance Commissioner in the
sum of not less than five thousand pesos nor more than ten thousand pesos in the discretion of the
Chief, Philippine Constabulary, which bond shall answer for any valid and legal claim against the
agency by its clients or employees: Provided, That licenses issued in the province of an authorized
representative of the Chief of Constabulary is subject to review by the Chief of Constabulary.
Any provision of this or other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the Chief of Constabulary may, at
any time suspend or cancel the licenses of private watchman or security guard agency found
violating any of the provisions of this Act or of the rules and regulations promulgated by the Chief of
Constabulary pursuant thereto. (This paragraph was inserted by Sec. 3, Pres. Decree No. 11.)
Other provisions of Pres. Decree No. 11
Any person who commit any act in violation of Republic Act No. 5487 and of this Decree, and the
implementing rules and regulations already promulgated which are not in conflict herewith, and
those to be promulgated by the Chief of Constabulary pursuant hereto, shall, on conviction thereof,
suffer imprisonment of from ten to fifteen years and a fine of not less than ten thousand pesos nor
more than fifteen thousand pesos as a military court/tribunal or commission may direct.
The Chief of Constabulary shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the
provisions of this Decree.
Section 9. Employees Need Not be Licensed.
Every person operating, managing, directing or conducting a licensed private detective or watchmen
agency shall also be considered licensed private detective, or watchman and no person shall be
employed or used in a private detective work unless he be a licensed private detective or watchman:
Provided, That nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring detective license for persons
employed solely for clerical or manual work.

Section 10. Display of License.

The license shall be displayed at all times in a conspicuous and suitable place in the agency office
or headquarters of the agency and shall be exhibited at the request of any person whose jurisdiction
is in relation with the business of the agency or the employees thereof, or of the Chief of the
Philippine Constabulary or his duly authorized representative or any peace officer.

Section 11. Supervision of the Philippine Constabulary.

Upon approval of this Act, the Philippine Constabulary shall exercise general supervision over the
operation of all private detective and watchman or security guard agencies.

Section 12. Powers of City or Municipal Mayors in Cases of Emergency.

In case of emergency or in times of disaster or calamities where the services of such agencies
arise, the City or Municipal Mayor, as director of Civil Defense, may muster or incorporate the
services of the agency nearest the area where such emergency, disaster or calamity arises and its
duly licensed personnel to help maintain peace and order; and/or the prevention or apprehension of
law violators and in the preservation of life and property. Deputized private detectives, watchmen or
security guards shall take direct orders from the Chief of Police for the duration of the fire,
inundation, earthquakes, riots or other emergencies.

Section 13. Issuance of Firearms.

A watchman or security agency shall be entitled to posses firearms after having satisfactorily passed
the requirements prescribed by the Chief, Philippine Constabulary pertinent to the possession of
firearm of any caliber not higher than 45 caliber in a number not exceeding one firearm for every two
watchmen or security guards in its employ: Provided, however, That a watchman or security agent
shall be entitled to possess not more than one riot gun or shotgun in order to provide adequate
security when circumstances so demand: Provided, further, That all the firearms mentioned herein
shall be carried by the watchman or security guard only during his tour of duty in proper uniform
within the compound of the establishment except when he escorts big amounts of cash or valuables
in and out of said compound.

Section 14. Uniform.

The uniform of watchman or security guard as well as those organized, maintained or under the
employment of the government or any government-owned and/or controlled corporations, agencies
or entities, shall be different from the uniform worn and prescribed for members of the Armed Forces
of the Philippines, City and Municipal Police Force. The Chief, Philippine Constabulary, through his
duly authorized representative shall prescribed the uniform or ornaments, equipment and
paraphernalia to be worn by the security guards and watchmen throughout the Philippines.

Section 15. Compensation of Watchmen or Security Guards.

Watchmen or security guards shall receive a salary not lower than that prescribed in the Minimum
Wage Law.

Section 16. Limitations and Prohibitions.

1. On Membership:
(a) No agency operating in the City of Manila and suburbs may employ more than 1,000 watchmen
or security guards;
(b) no agency operating in other cities and first class municipalities may employ more than 500
watchmen or security guards;
(c) no agency operating in municipalities other than first class may employ more than 200
watchmen or security guards.
2. On Organization: No person, corporation, partnership or association may organize more
than one agency in any one city or municipality.
3. On Service: No agency shall offer, render or accept its services to gambling dens or other
illegal enterprises. The extent of the security service being provided by any security agency
shall not go beyond the whole compound or property of the person or establishment
requesting the security service except when they escort big amount of cash.

Section 17. Rules and Regulations by Chief, Philippine Constabulary.

The Chief of the Philippine Constabulary, in consultation with the Philippine Association of Detective
and Protective Agency Operators, Incorporated and subject to the provisions of existing laws, is
hereby authorized to issue the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act.

Section 18. Penal Provisions.

Any violation of this Act or the rule or regulation issued hereunder shall be punished by suspension,
or fine not exceeding P200.00 or cancellation of his or its licenses to operate, conduct, direct or
manage a private detective, watchman or security guard agency and all its members in the
discretion of the court together with the forfeiture of its bond filed with the Philippine Constabulary.
If the violation is committed by those persons mentioned under paragraph two, section four of this
Act the penalty shall be imprisonment ranging from one to four years and fine ranging from one to
four thousand pesos in the discretion of the court.

Section 19. Repealing Clause.

All laws, rules, resolutions, municipal ordinances, regulations and administrative orders contrary or
inconsistent with the provisions hereof are hereby repealed.

Section 20. Effectivity.

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved, June 21, 1969.