The Firearms, Explosives and Private Security Industry has been recognized for its positive contribution to the country’s economic growth. Over the past decade, these three major industries have been driven by unprecedented number of investors and firms which have gone into these profitable sectors. With this development, Civil Security Group (CSG), as the main regulatory office of the PNP has embarked on a country-wide administrative de-concentration as its innovative way to streamline the regulatory processes for firearms, explosives and private security and allow its regional units to effectively deliver faster turnaround time.

But just like any other government agencies in the country that adopts similar strategy, CSG is beset with challenges in the regulations of its stakeholders. Utilizing a case study approach, the challenges and experiences of individuals who play significant roles in the regulatory functions at local level were explored and analyzed.

In what was hoped to break the “monopoly of central control” and centralized processes in the issuances of licenses and permits for firearms, explosives and private security, CSG’s regional offices has created another layer of complexity on the delivery of its regulatory functions as it assumed larger roles. The inadequate administrative capability support, heavy workload, weak employee- engagement, presence of demotivators in the workplace, lack of competency training and imbalance distribution of personnel are among the issues that were supposed to be addressed at the onset had there been a monitoring and evaluation framework and competency training designed in the policy. These and other challenges has set limits to the CSG’s capability to fulfil high demands from its stakeholders at the local level.

Thus, this study sought to provide policy interventions that can be instituted to improve the capability of the CSG to regulate at the local level. Recommendations are as follows: Development of a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to purposely measure the performance of the RCSUs; Enhancement of human resource capability and competency; and, Initiate “Convergence of will” through Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with stakeholders and local government. These recommendations hopes to shape the CSG and its regional offices into a highly capable, effective and credible regulatory office of the country.

Indeed, CSG’s role is indispensable. Any changes on its delivery input and output can have significant implications in the national basket of services that are delivered to every citizens. On the other hand, weak regulations of the firearms, explosives and private security can have a direct implication to public safety. Issues on gun control, pilferage of explosives ingredients, inefficiency in the administration of private security and even corruption in the police organization can seriously affect the country if regulations will weaken.