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.1awphil.net

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.1awphil.net

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.

11 GENERAL ORDERS
1. TO TAKE CHARGE MY POST AND ALL COMPANY PROPERTIES IN
VIEW AND PROTECT/PRESERVE THE SAME WITH UTMOST DILIGENCE;
2. TO WALKED MY POST IN A MILITARY MANNER, KEEPING ALWAYS
ON THE ALERT AND OBSERVING EVERYTHING THAT TAKES PLACE
WITH IN SIGHT OR HEARING;
3. TO REPORT ALL VIOLATION OF ORDERS I AM INSTRUCTED TO IN
FORCE;
4. TO RELAY ALL CALLS FROM POST MORE DISTANCE FROM THE
GUARD HOUSE WHERE I AM STATIONED;
5. TO QUIT MY POST ONLY WHEN PROPERLY RELIEVED;
6. TO RECIEVED, OBEY AND PASS UN TO THE RELIEVING GUARD ALL
ORDERS FROM THE COMPANY OFFICERS OR OFFICIAL, SUPERVISOR,
POST INCHAGRED, AND OR SHIFT LEADERS;
7. TO TALK TO NO ONE EXCEPT IN LINE OF DUTY;
8. TO SOUND OR CALL THE ALARM IN CASE OF FIRE OR DISORDER;
9. TO CALL MY SUPERIOR OFFICER IN ANY CASE NOT COVERED BY
INSTRUCTIONS;
10. TO SALUTE ALL COMPANY OFFICIAL, SUPERVISOR IN THE
AGENCY, RANKING PUBLIC OFFICIAL, ALL OFFICERS OF THE PNP AND
ALL COMMISSION OFFICERS OF THE AFP;
11. TO BE SPECIALLY WATCHFUL AT NIGHT AND DURING THE TIME
OF CHALLENGING TO CHALLENGE ALL PERSON ON OR NEAR MY
POST AND TO ALLOW NO ONE TO PASS OR LOITER WITHOUT PROPER
AUTHORITY.
CODE OF ETHICS

1. As a security agent, his fundamental duty is to serve the interest or

mission of his agency in compliance with the contract entered into with the
clients of the agency he is supposed to serve.
2. He shall be honest in thoughts and deeds both in his personal and
official actuations, obeying the law of the land and the regulations
prescribed by his agency and those established by the company he is
supposed to protect.
3. He shall not reveal any confidential matter that is confided to him as
security guard and such other matters imposed upon him by law.
4. He shall act at all times with decorum and shall not permit personal
feelings, prejudices and undue friendship to influence his actuation in the
performance of his official functions.
5. He shall not compromise with criminals and other lawless elements to
the prejudice of the customer or his client but assist government in its
relentless drive against lawlessness and other forms of criminality.
6. He shall carry out his assigned duties as required by law to the best of
his ability and safeguard the life and property of the establishment he is
assigned to.
7. He shall wear his uniform, badge, patches and insignia properly as a
symbol of public trust and confidence, as an honest and trustworthy
security guard and private detective.
8. He shall keep his allegiance first to the government, then to the agency
where he is employed and to the establishment he is assigned to serve
with loyalty and outmost dedication
9. He shall diligently and progressively familiarize himself with the rules and
regulations laid down by his agency and those of the customers or clients.
10. He shall at all times be courteous, respectful and salute to his superior
officers, government officials and officials of the establishment where he is
assigned or the company he is supposed to serve.
11. He shall report for duty always in proper uniform and neat in his
appearance.
12. He shall learn at heart and strictly observe the laws and regulations
governing the use of firearms.

CODE OF CONDUCT

1. He shall carry with him at all times during his tour of duty his license,
identification card and duty detail order with an authority to carry firearms.
2. He shall not use his license and other privileges if any, to the prejudice of
the public, the client or customers and his agency.
3. He shall not engage in any unnecessary conversation with anybody
except in discharge of his duties or sit down unless required by the nature
of his work and shall at all times keep himself alert during his tour of duty.
4. He shall refrain from reading newspapers, magazines, books, etc. while
actually performing his duties.
5. He shall not drink intoxicating liquor immediately before and during his
tour of duty.
6. He shall know the location of the fire alarm box near his post and to
sound the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
7. He shall know to operate any fire extinguisher at his post.
8. He shall know the location of the telephone and/or the telephone number
of the police precincts as well as the telephone numbers of the fire stations
in the locality.
9. He shall immediately notify the police in case of any sign of disorder,
strikes, riot, or any serious violation of the law.
10. He or his group of guards, shall not participate or integrate any
disorder, strike, riot, or any serious violations of the law
11. He shall assist the police in the preservation and maintenance of peace
and disorder and in the protection of life and property having in mind that
the nature of his responsibilities is similar to that of the latter
12. He shall familiarize himself by heart with the Private Security Agency
Law (RA No.5487 as amended) and these implementing rules and
regulations.
13. When issued a FA's he should not lend his FA to anybody.
14. He shall always be in proper uniform and shall carry with him his basic
requirements, and equipment's such as writing notebook, ballpen, night
stick (baton) and/or radio.
15. He shall endeavor at all times, to merit and be worthy of the trust and
confidence of the agency he represents and the client he serves.

SECURITY GUARD CREED

As Security Guards his fundamental duty is to protect lives and properties

and maintain order within my place of duty; protect the interest of my
employer and our clients and the security and stability of our government
and country without compromise and prejudice, honest in my actions,
words and thoughts; and do my best to uphold the principle:
MAKADIYOS, MAKATAO at MAKAKALIKASAN.
Definition of Term

SOSIA - Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies