Coverage, Scope, and Application
- Regulation applicable to all airports, seaports, port facilities, rail/land terminals nationwide.
- Covers all personnel and agencies involved in transportation security operations including screening of passengers, baggage, cargo, and vehicles.
- Authority for scope determination vested in the OTS Administrator.
Formation and Composition of K-9 Explosive Detection Evaluation Committee (EDEC)
- K-9 EDEC created to develop guidelines, standards, and procedures for deployment and handling of accredited explosive detection canines.
- Committee chaired by OTS Deputy Administrator.
- Members include Directors or authorized representatives from OTS-CASS, MARSS, LARSS, and the Legal, Policy Research & Adjudication Service.
Technical Evaluation Group (TEG)
- Created to assist K-9 EDEC.
- Composed of the President of Philippine Utility Dogs Association (PUDA) and representatives from various law enforcement and military K-9 units.
- Chair designated by OTS Administrator from within the group.
Powers and Functions of K-9 EDEC
- Screen and certify Explosive Detector Dog (EDD) teams ensuring high efficiency and proper training.
- Promote public trust in bomb detection canine deployment.
- Standardize evaluation criteria for K-9 teams.
- Certify and issue Certificates of Efficiency (CE) to qualified K-9 teams.
- Establish and maintain quality control standards.
- Conduct regular testing and audits, with authority to cancel certificates for failure to meet standards.
- Maintain rosters of certified K-9 teams and agencies using private explosive detection dogs.
- Inspect and accredit K-9 training facilities.
- Formulate policies, handle irregularities, enforce uniform training and evaluation standards nationwide.
Governing Principles and Policies
- Mandatory certification of all explosive detector dogs used for transport security.
- Periodic and clandestine proficiency checks plus annual accreditation to ensure continued reliability.
- K-9 EDEC to maintain a pool of qualified professional evaluators.
Legal Construction, Enforcement, and Effectivity
- Rules to be liberally construed to advance transport security objectives.
- OTS Administrator empowered to enforce these rules including inspection, evaluation, and additional requirements.
- Separability clause preserving remaining provisions if any part declared invalid.
- Regulation effective immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.