It is tasked with the responsibility of providing the necessary protection of the State against external and internal threats; directing, planning and supervising the National Defense Program; maintaining law and order throughout the country; and performing other functions as may be provided for by law.
It exercises executive supervision over the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Government Arsenal (GA), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), and the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP).
It is charged with the duty of supervising the National Defense Program of the country. It also has responsibility for overseeing field operations to ensure the judicious and effective implementation of National Defense and Security Programs.
