The REPUBLIC ACT 5487

The Private Security Agency Law

RULE 1
DECLARATION OF POLICY
SECTION 1. Scope. The organization, operation, business and activities of private
watchman/security or detective agencies, security training institutions/systems as well as
private security and training personnel shall be governed by these Rules and Regulations
implementing Republic Act 5487, as amended.
SECTION 2. License Necessary. No person shall engage in the business of or act as a private
detective agency or engage in the occupation, calling or. Employment of security personnel or in
the business of private security/training agency without first having obtained the permit from
the Chief of the Philippine National Police which permit as approved is prerequisite in obtaining
a license certificate. b. License is likewise necessary for any person operating managing directing
or conducting a licensed private security/detective/training agency. Any person having any
participation in the management or operation thereof except those employed solely for clerical
or manual work, shall also secure a license.

SECTION 3. Training Required. All applicants for license certificate shall have received the
appropriate training from any public or private training institution/system duly recognized by
the government to conduct private security or police training.
SECTION 4. Prohibitions. No License certificate shall be granted to any applicant for license to
operate or license to exercise security profession with the following disqualifications:
a. having previous record of any conviction of any crime.
b. having previous record of any conviction of any offense involving moral turpitude having
been dishonorably discharged or separated from employment or service.
c. being a mental incompetent.
d. being a user/addicted to the use of prohibited drugs or narcotics.
e. being a habitual drunkard dummy of a foreigner.
1. General Requisites in the Security Profession
• Filipino Citizen
• Physically and mentally Fit
• Good moral character
• Must not possess any disqualification

2. Basic Requirements of an Agency Operator/Manager

• At least 25 yrs. Old
• Commissioned officer, inactive or retired from AFP or PNP or a graduate of Industrial Security
Management with adequate training and experience in the security business.
• Filipino Citizen
• Good moral character
3. Qualification of a Private Security Guard.
​1. Filipino citizen
2. High School Graduate
3. Physically and mentally fit
4. Not less than eighteen (18) years of age nor more than fifty (50) years; and
5. Has undergone a Pre-Licensing Training Course or its equivalent.

4. Qualifications for Security Officer

a. A retired personnel in the PNP or AFP
b. Holder of a baccalaureate degree;
c. Has graduated from a security officer training course or its equivalent.
5. Qualifications of Security Consultant
In addition to the general qualifications, a consultant should be:
a. Holder of Master Degree in Criminology, MPA, MNSA, Industrial Management or LL.B
b. Must have at least 10 years experiences in the operation and management of security
business.

6. Basic Qualifications of a Private Detective

c. BS Crim Graduate
d. LL.B Holder
e. Graduate of Criminal Investigation Course
f. Advance ROTC graduate
PENAL PROVISION
SECTION 1. Without prejudice to the imposition of criminal sanctions, any violation of Republic
Act 5487, as amended or its rule or regulation, by license grantees likewise pursuant thereof,
shall be punished by suspension, or fine, or cancellation of his or its license to operate, conduct,
direct or manage a private detective, watchman or security guard agency and all its members,
or penalized pursuant to provisions herein under, and/or with the forfeiture of its bond filed
with the Philippine National Police, at the discretion of the Chief. PNP.

SECTION 2.
a. Any person not covered by Section 1, Rule lI above who commits any act in violation of
Republic Act 5487 as amended and its implementing rules and regulations 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 may direct.
b. If the violation is committed by those persons mentioned in section 3b, Rule IV herein under,
the penalty shall be imprisonment ranging from one to four years and a fine ranging from
one to four thousand pesos at the discretion of the Court.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Definition- For purposes of and when used in these les and regulations, the following terms
shall be construed in the sense indicated herein unless the context of a particular section clearly
indicates that a different sense is intended:
a. Person - shall include not only natural but also juridical persons such as single
proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, companies or associations, duly organized and
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or the Department of Trade and
Industry.
b. Private Security Services - 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 per order within such areas, to maintain peace and or within
such areas, to conduct private security training and/or to conduct investigation.
c. Private Detective Services - shall include among others the act of providing personal security
protection inquiry and information gathering pre-employment verification and individual
background profiling, providing assistance in civil liability and personal injury cases, insurance
claims and fraud, child custody and protection cases, for the purpose of assisting in gathering
information leading to determination and/or prevention of criminal acts and/or resolution of
legal, financial and personal problems.
d. Private Security Industry - shall cover those in the legitimate business of providing private
security and detective services.
e. Private Security Guard - (SG sometimes called private security guard or watchman shall
Include any person who offers or renders personal service to watch or secure either a residence,
business establishment, or buildings, compounds, areas, or property, inspects/monitors bodily
checks/searches individuals and/or baggage and other forms of security inspection.
f. Private Detective (PD) - shall mean any person who does detective work for hire, reward or
commission, other than members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, guards of the Bureau
of Jail Management and Penology, municipal or city jail guards, and members of the Philippine
National Police or of any other law enforcement agency of the government
g. Private Security Personnel - shall be natural persons which include private security guards,
private detectives, security consultants, security officers and others that may be classified later
rendering/performing security and/or detective services as employed by private security
agencies and/or private firms.
h. Private Security Agency (PSA) - shall mean any person association, partnership, firm or Private
Corporation, who contracts, recruits, trains, furnishes or posts any security guard, to perform its
functions or solicit individuals, businesses, firms, or private, public or governmentowned or
controlled corporations to engage his/its service or those of his/its security guards, for hire,
commission or compensation thru subscription or as a consultant/trainer to any private or
public corporation.
i. Private Detective Agency (PDA) - shall mean any person association, partnership, firm or
Private Corporation, who contracts, recruits, trains, furnishes or posts any private detective, to
perform its functions or solicit individuals, businesses, firms, or private, public or government
owned or controlled corporations
j. License to Exercise Profession - shall mean any document issued by the Chief, Philippine
National Police or his duly authorized representative recognizinga person to be qualified to
perform his duties as private security or training personnel
k. License to Operate (LTO) - is a License Certificate document, issued by the Chief, Philippine
National Police or his duly authorized representative, authorizing a person to engage in
employing security guard or detective, or a juridical person to establish, engage, direct, manage
or operate an individual or a private detective agency or private security agency/company
security force after payment of the prescribed dues or fees as provided in these Rules and
Regulations
l. Company Guard Force (CGF) - a security force maintained and operated by any private
company/corporation utilizing any of its employees to watch, secure or guard its business
establishment premises, compound or properties.
m. Government Guard Unit (GGU) - a security unit maintained and operated by any government
entity other than military or police, which is established and maintained for the purpose of
securing the office or compound and/or extension of such government entity
The Principles of Industrial Security Management
A. Appropriate, intelligent and realistic Security Planning:
1. Based on the actual situation(s), requirements and problems;
2. Quantifications, training’s, and experiences of the security personnel and officials;
3. Resources, logistics, and capabilities of the Security Agencies;
4. Legacies and accomplishment of the Security Agencies;
5. Security programs, activities and projections;
6. Security survey reports.

B. Flexibility of the Security Operations Plans

1. Adjustability
2. Legality/Justifiability
3. Adaptability
4. Practicality
5. Availability and capability
C. Unity of Command and Efforts
1. Lateral and vertical coordination and cooperation is highly encouraged.
2. Centralized direction and control systems and only one (1) designated over-all commander.
3. Focus or concentration must be specific and clearly defined.
4. Individual and collective duties and responsibilities must be substantially explained and
clarified.
5. There is only one blueprint on Security Policies and/or guidelines.
6. Flow of communication and/or channel command must be strictly observed and religiously
followed.
7. Orders, directives, issuance’s and other instructions must be first fully briefed, announced,
understood, comprehend and disseminated.
D. Sufficiency of Resources
1. Manpower Resources
2. Financial Resources
3. Logistical Resources
4. Legal Resources
5. Technical Resources
6. Other Resources

E. Effectiveness of Security Operational Activities and Programs

7. Guards posting/ deployment procedures;
8. Guards conduct uniforms, armaments, documents, paraphernalia and credentials;
9. Guards personal and official requirements and needs;
10. Briefing, orientation, guidance, policies, and reminders
5. Inspection, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation system;
6. Mobility and communication capabilities and its status;
7. Linkages with other security institutions and agencies or offices;
8. Training and continuing in-service security education programs;
9. Disasters preparedness and rescue operation programs;
10. Special tasking in or during crime occurrence, disasters, hostage negotiations, traffic
accidents, bomb threats, etc.;
11. Emergency calls, request for immediate security assistance and similar situations;
12. Other operational activities as embodied in the eleven (11) General Orders
F. Moral, Welfare and benefits Programs
1. Payment of salaries allowances and incentives.
2. Insurances and social programs (SSS, PHILHEALTH, & others).
3. Awards, appreciation’s, commendations, etc. for every good and laudable deed(s) or
accomplishment(s).
4. Granting of special bonuses, rewards, prize, etc.
5. Facilitating renewal of security/lady guards or security officer’s license and other necessary
documentary requirements.
6. Recruiting only qualified highly competent, well-trained and preferably experienced
security/lady guards, officers and/or officials
G. Transparency of the Security Contract and Documentary Requirements
1. Clarify the substance of the security services contract including legal rates and conditions.
2. Religiously follow the PNP SAGSG (PNP Security Agencies and Group Supervision Division)
guidelines and policies.
3. Internalizations of the DOLE, SSS and PHILHEALTH mandates.
4. Respects the Bill of Rights as embodied in the 1987 Phil. Constitution, Human Rights and
other rights of a person as enumerated in the International Humanitarian Law.
 SPECIFIC GUIDELINES AND CONSIDERATIONS:

A. VIP/DIGNITARY SECURITY
1. To ensure protection of live/lives of VIP/dignitary.
2. The clear the routine route(s) from any danger or hazard.
3. To avoid assassination plot and /or ambuscade to visiting VIP/dignitary.
4. To establish coordinated efforts with foreign and local agencies regarding VIP/dignitary
security requirements
B. BOMBS AND EXPLOSIVE SECURITY
1. To avoid destruction of lives and property.
2. To prevent and control sabotage operations by enemy.
3. To enhance specialize training on bombs and explosives disposal and how to counter its
illegal operations.
4. To plan and design for more suitable and effective bombs and explosives prevention and
control measures, procedures and operations.
C. AIRPORT SECURITY
1. To prevent terrorism and other lawless activities within airport vicinity;
2. To protect and safeguard civil aviation operations and airline industries.
3. To ensure security and safety of aircraft, air ports complex, runway, tower house, and vital
installations of airports;
4. To avoid hijacking and heinous crime incidents within airport area and/or during flight of
aircraft;
5. To modernize air safety and civil aviation security instruments and facilities.
D. MARITIME SECURITY
1. To protect and preserve maritime and aquatic-mineral resources;
2. To safeguard all maritime industries to include vessels, ships, barges, tugboats, etc. and their
crews against sabotage, hijacking, terrorism, smuggling, gunrunning, etc.
3. To enhance, develop, improve and modernize its security and safety capabilities and
machineries.
4. To plan and design for more effective and suitable programs and operations of maritime
security in every situation.
5. To counter external threats to our national security
E.DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION SECURITY
1. To ensure, protect and preserve our documentary files and records;
2. To promote, develop and improve our records management efficiency and credibility;
3. To intensify our intelligence efforts, requirements, operation and capabilities.

F.PHYSICAL SECURITY
4. To ensure protection of vital government installation and materials;
5. To avoid or prevent intruders or enemies to come in restricted or prohibited areas;
6. To provide systems, procedures, mechanics, steps and measures how to provide security
and safety to the entire area, locality and for vicinity;
7. To prevent and control entry of spies, infiltrators, saboteurs, etc.;
8. To determine actual security and safety requirements and personnel needed.
G. PERSONNEL SECURITY
1. To ensure proper selection, recruitment and employment programs and operations of
personnel in a government or organization;
2. To upgrade and modernize standards, procedures mechanics and system of acquisition,
promotion and termination of personnel services;
3. To provide effective, reliable, credible and compatible security oriented personnel in every
section/division/department/agency/unit/organization;
4. To prevent entry of infiltrators, deep-penetration-agents, saboteurs, etc. into the protected
organizations;
5. To observe strictly the security and safety guidelines and policies on matters affecting
personnel affairs