Section 24. Powers and Functions. —

The PNP shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the protection of lives and properties;

2. Maintain peace and order and take all necessary steps to ensure public safety;

3. Investigate and prevent crimes, effect the arrest of criminal offenders, bring offenders to justice and assist in their prosecution;

4. Exercise the general powers to make arrest, search and seizure in accordance with the Constitution and pertinent laws;

5. Detain an arrested person for a period not beyond what is prescribed by law, informing the person so detained of all his rights under the Constitution;

6. Issue licenses for the possession of firearms and explosives in accordance with law;

7. Supervise and control the training and operations of security agencies and issue licenses to operate security agencies, and to security guards and private detectives, for the practice of their professions; and

8. Perform such other duties and exercise all other functions as may be provided by law.

In addition, the PNP shall absorb the office of the National Action Committee on Anti-Hijacking (NACAH) of the Department of National Defense, all the functions of the present Philippine Air Force Security Command (PAFSECOM), as well as the police functions of the Coast Guard. In order to perform its powers and functions efficiently and effectively, the PNP shall be provided with adequate land, sea, and air capabilities and all necessary material means of resources.