QuestionsQuestions (PNP STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE NO. 007-08)
The SOP is issued under Section 17 of RA 5487, as amended. Its purpose is to prescribe guidelines for security agencies’ personnel in handling peace and order on properties/establishments with conflicting claims (ownership, management, administration) to protect lives and property before, during, and after court/quasi-judicial/administrative legal actions or orders.
(1) They must protect lives and properties, preserve peace and order, and assist local authorities in stabilizing the government; and (2) they must not be used as tools for oppression, violence, or acts against public order and/or inimical to national interest.
It applies to security personnel of a private security agency (PSA) hired through a security services agreement/contract or other arrangement when the client’s property/establishment is subject to conflicting claims or disputes on ownership, management, or administration.
Natural persons including private security guards, private detectives, security consultants, security officers, and others classified later, rendering or performing security/detective services as employed by private security agencies or private firms.
The incumbent PSA must inform the Chief, SAGSD (using fast and available communication) about the existence of the conflicting claim that may result in a violent incident.
No PSA may enter into a contract with a client whose property/establishment has an existing conflict with another party without (a) written permission from the police office with jurisdiction, (b) clearance from the court/quasi-judicial/administrative body, and (c) the Chief, SAGSD approval (with the dangerous tendency rule considered). The SSA must also provide automatic termination of services in case of existing conflict.
The incumbent PSA must, with the diligence required by the circumstances, maintain status quo ante and continue performing duties to its currently recognized client under its SSA until legal orders terminate the SSA or until expiration—whichever comes first.
No. Without valid order from competent authorities, the incumbent PSA should not unilaterally exclude the complainant, its employees/residents from access. However, it may implement appropriate control measures on entry and exit without jeopardizing the SSA.
All issued high-powered firearms to security guards manning the property must be recalled immediately and stored in the agency’s firearms safety vault. The SOP encourages maximum tolerance and compassion among parties to avoid jeopardizing others’ rights, including those of innocent third parties.
The incumbent PSA must not bring in additional security personnel contrary to the SSA provisions, especially personnel not organic to the agency, because expanding the guard force increases opportunities for hostile actions.
No. New/incoming PSAs may not deploy to implement any order/writ unless requested in writing by the designated Sheriff and with approval of the Chief, SAGSD (for NCR) or Chief, ROPD (in regions), and only when their presence is needed for protection and maintenance of peace and order.
They must be in proper uniform with visible nameplates and must carry their License to Exercise Profession (LTEP) IDs. They should not carry high-powered firearms.
The on-ground authorized representative of the incumbent and new PSAs must immediately disseminate the contents of the order to all assigned security personnel and explain its implications. If they fail to obtain a copy after being informed, they must officially secure it from the issuing authority or involved parties.
No. They may not actively participate in demolition, removal, destruction, or recovery of properties/structures. Their role is limited to ensuring that no property is stolen, looted, or taken from the premises.
Without prejudice to criminal actions: First offense—PSA fine of P50,000 and six (6) months suspension for the security personnel. Second offense—PSA fine of P100,000 and suspension for one (1) year for the security personnel. Third offense—cancellation/revocation of license to operate or exercise profession.
It becomes effective fifteen (15) days after publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation nationwide.