Scope of the Act
- Governs the organization, operation, business, and activities of private detective, watchmen, or security guard agencies.
Definitions
- Person: Includes natural and juridical persons (corporations, partnerships, companies, associations registered with SEC or Bureau of Commerce).
- Private Detective Agency: Entity conducting detective services for hire or reward.
- Private Detective: Person not belonging to police or armed forces conducting detective work for hire.
- Watchmen/Security Agency: Entities/persons providing watchman or security services for compensation through subscription.
- License or License Certificate: Official document permitting the operation of private detective or security agencies.
Who May Organize Agencies
- Filipino citizens or corporations 100% Filipino owned and controlled.
- Operators/managers must be at least 23 years old, high school graduates, of good moral character, with no prior convictions involving moral turpitude.
- Disqualifications include dishonorable military discharge, mental incompetence, narcotics addiction, habitual drunkenness.
- Government officials/employees involved in law enforcement may not hold interests in such agencies.
Qualifications for Security Personnel
- Must be Filipino citizens, high school graduates, physically/mentally fit, aged 21-50, minimum height of 5'4".
- Must not suffer the disqualifications noted in section 4.
- Foreigners employed before the law’s approval not subject to these requirements.
- Veterans given employment priority.
- Persons convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude disqualified.
License Requirement
- No person may operate as private detective or watchman/security agency without a permit from the Chief, Philippine Constabulary.
- Existing agencies have one year from law approval to secure licenses.
- Licensed personnel must have received appropriate training from recognized institutions.
Application Process
- Written application filed with the Chief, Philippine Constabulary.
- Must include personal or corporate information and registration certificates.
Fees and Bonds
- Fees include national license (P100/year), municipal fees (P50 or P25 per city/municipality annually), internal revenue tax (P100/year), and minor permit/health fees.
- License issuance involves bond (minimum P5,000 to maximum P10,000) to cover valid claims against the agency.
Employment Licensing
- Managers or operators are considered licensed.
- All private detectives/watchmen employed must be licensed except clerical/manual workers.
Display of License
- License must always be displayed conspicuously at agency offices and shown upon request.
Supervision
- The Philippine Constabulary supervises private detective and watchman/security agencies.
Emergency Powers of Local Mayors
- May incorporate agency services during emergencies/disasters for peacekeeping and crime prevention.
- Deputized personnel take orders from the Chief of Police during emergencies.
Firearms Possession
- Agencies may possess firearms after meeting Chief, Philippine Constabulary requirements.
- Firearms limited to caliber not higher than .45, with one firearm per two guards.
- One riot gun or shotgun is allowed per agency.
- Firearms may be carried only during duty hours in uniform within the compound, except when escorting valuables.
Uniform Standards
- Uniforms distinct from Armed Forces and police uniforms.
- Prescribed by the Chief, Philippine Constabulary.
Compensation
- Watchmen/security guards must receive at least the minimum wage prescribed by law.
Limitations and Prohibitions
- Employment caps: Manila agencies limited to 1,000 guards; other cities/first class municipalities 500; others 200.
- No entity may organize more than one agency per city/municipality.
- No service shall be rendered to illegal enterprises (e.g., gambling dens).
- Security service coverage limited to client's property, except for cash escort.
Rule-Making Authority
- Chief, Philippine Constabulary, in coordination with relevant private agency association, authorized to issue implementing rules.
Penalties
- Violations punishable by suspension, fines up to P200, license cancellation, and bond forfeiture.
- Government officials/employees violating the Act face imprisonment (1-4 years) and fines (P1,000-P4,000).
Repealing Clause
- All laws, rules, ordinances or orders contrary to this Act are repealed.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.