Step 1: Know Your Rights Under Philippine Law

Hakbang 1: Alamin ang Iyong Karapatan sa Batas ng Pilipinas

Three major Philippine laws protect you from online harassment. Understanding which law applies to your situation helps you file the right complaint and sets expectations on penalties.

Tatlong pangunahing batas ng Pilipinas ang nagpoprotekta sa iyo laban sa online harassment. Ang pag-unawa kung aling batas ang naaangkop sa iyong sitwasyon ay tumutulong sa tamang pag-file at inaasahang parusa.

RA 11313 — Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law)

RA 11313 — Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law)

Enacted in 2019, RA 11313 specifically covers gender-based online sexual harassment. This includes cyberstalking, incessant unwanted messaging, sending unsolicited sexual content, sharing someone’s photos or personal information online to harass, and sexist, misogynistic, homophobic, or transphobic slurs online.

Ang RA 11313 na ipinatupad noong 2019 ay sumasaklaw sa gender-based online sexual harassment. Kasama dito ang cyberstalking, paulit-ulit na hindi gustong mensahe, pagpapadala ng sexual content na hindi hiningi, pag-share ng litrato o personal na impormasyon ng iba online para mang-harass, at sexist, misogynistic, homophobic, o transphobic na mga insulto online.

• Penalty: Prisión correccional in its medium period (2 years, 11 months and 11 days to 3 years, 6 months and 20 days) + fine of ₱100,000 to ₱500,000
• Higher penalties if the victim is a minor, senior, PWD, or if the offender is a government employee or uniformed personnel

• Parusa: Prisión correccional sa medium period (2 taon, 11 buwan at 11 araw hanggang 3 taon, 6 na buwan at 20 araw) + multa na ₱100,000 hanggang ₱500,000
• Mas mataas na parusa kung ang biktima ay menor de edad, senior citizen, PWD, o kung ang offender ay government employee o uniformed personnel

RA 10175 — Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012

RA 10175 — Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012

Covers broader cybercrimes including cyber libel (defamatory statements posted online), identity theft (using your name, photos, or data without consent), illegal access (hacking accounts), and cybersex. Penalties under RA 10175 are one degree higher than their offline equivalents.

Sumasaklaw sa mas malawak na cybercrimes kabilang ang cyber libel (defamatory statements na na-post online), identity theft (paggamit ng iyong pangalan, litrato, o data nang walang pahintulot), illegal access (pag-hack ng accounts), at cybersex. Ang mga parusa sa ilalim ng RA 10175 ay isang antas na mas mataas kaysa sa offline equivalents.

• Cyber libel: Prisión correccional maximum to prisión mayor minimum (4 years, 2 months and 1 day to 8 years) + fine of ₱6,000 to amount determined by court
• Identity theft: Prisión mayor (6 years, 1 day to 12 years) + fine of at least ₱200,000
• Note: The Supreme Court ruled that only the original author of a libelous post is liable — not those who share, like, or react to it

• Cyber libel: Prisión correccional maximum hanggang prisión mayor minimum (4 na taon, 2 buwan at 1 araw hanggang 8 taon) + multa na ₱6,000 hanggang halaga na itinakda ng korte
• Identity theft: Prisión mayor (6 na taon, 1 araw hanggang 12 taon) + multa na hindi bababa sa ₱200,000
• Paalala: Naipasya ng Korte Suprema na ang orihinal na may-akda lamang ng libelous post ang mananagot — hindi ang mga nag-share, nag-like, o nag-react dito

RA 9995 — Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009

RA 9995 — Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009

Criminalizes the unauthorized recording, copying, selling, distributing, or publishing of intimate photos or videos without consent. Even if the person originally consented to being recorded, distributing that material is still a crime.

Ikinukulong ang hindi pinahintulutang pag-record, pagkopya, pagbenta, pamamahagi, o pag-publish ng intimate na litrato o video nang walang pahintulot. Kahit pumayag ang tao na ma-record, ang pamamahagi ng material na iyon ay krimen pa rin.

• Penalty: 3 to 7 years imprisonment + fine of ₱100,000 to ₱500,000, or both
• Applies even if the victim initially consented to be photographed or recorded

• Parusa: 3 hanggang 7 taon na pagkakulong + multa na ₱100,000 hanggang ₱500,000, o pareho
• Naaangkop kahit pumayag ang biktima na makuhanan ng litrato o video sa simula

Step 2: Document the Harassment

Hakbang 2: I-document ang Harassment

Evidence is critical. Without it, investigations stall. Do this before reporting on the platform — once you report, the content may be removed and you lose evidence.

Napakahalaga ng ebidensya. Kung wala ito, natigil ang imbestigasyon. Gawin ito bago mag-report sa platform — kapag nag-report ka, maaaring ma-remove ang content at mawala ang ebidensya.

• Screenshot everything. Capture the offending posts, messages, or comments. Include the profile of the harasser (name, profile URL, account handle).
• Record timestamps. Note the date and time of each incident. Screenshots should show the post date/time if possible.
• Capture the URL. Copy the direct link to the post or message. On mobile, look for “Copy Link” options.
• Save the full conversation. If it’s in a chat, do not screenshot only the worst part. Save the full exchange for context.
• Back up to multiple locations. Email screenshots to yourself, save to cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud), or send copies to a trusted person.
• Do not edit or crop evidence. Present evidence as-is. Edited screenshots can be challenged in court.

• I-screenshot ang lahat. Kunan ang mga nakakasakit na post, mensahe, o komento. Isama ang profile ng harasser (pangalan, profile URL, account handle).
• I-record ang timestamps. Itala ang petsa at oras ng bawat insidente. Dapat ipakita ng screenshots ang petsa/oras ng post kung maaari.
• Kunan ang URL. Kopyahin ang direktang link sa post o mensahe. Sa mobile, hanapin ang “Copy Link” options.
• I-save ang buong conversation. Kung nasa chat, huwag i-screenshot lang ang pinakamalala. I-save ang buong usapan para sa konteksto.
• Mag-backup sa maraming lugar. I-email ang screenshots sa sarili mo, i-save sa cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud), o magpadala ng kopya sa pinagkakatiwalaang tao.
• Huwag mag-edit o mag-crop ng ebidensya. Ipresenta ang ebidensya na as-is. Ang mga na-edit na screenshot ay maaaring i-challenge sa korte.

Step 3: Report on the Platform

Hakbang 3: I-report sa Platform

After documenting evidence, report the harassment through the platform’s built-in tools. This can result in content removal or account suspension while you pursue legal action.

Pagkatapos mag-document ng ebidensya, i-report ang harassment sa pamamagitan ng built-in tools ng platform. Ito ay maaaring magresulta sa pag-remove ng content o suspension ng account habang hinahabol mo ang legal action.

Facebook / Messenger

Facebook / Messenger

Tap the three dots (...) on the post or message → “Find Support or Report” → select “Harassment” or “Violence” as the reason. For profiles: go to the profile → three dots → “Report.” For intimate images: use Facebook’s Non-Consensual Intimate Images reporting form at facebook.com/help.

I-tap ang tatlong tuldok (...) sa post o mensahe → “Find Support or Report” → piliin ang “Harassment” o “Violence” bilang dahilan. Para sa profiles: pumunta sa profile → tatlong tuldok → “Report.” Para sa intimate images: gamitin ang Non-Consensual Intimate Images reporting form ng Facebook sa facebook.com/help.

TikTok

Long-press the video or tap the arrow icon → “Report” → select “Harassment and bullying” or “Hateful behavior.” For DMs: tap and hold the message → “Report.”

I-long-press ang video o i-tap ang arrow icon → “Report” → piliin ang “Harassment and bullying” o “Hateful behavior.” Para sa DMs: i-tap at i-hold ang mensahe → “Report.”

Instagram

Tap the three dots on a post or story → “Report” → follow the prompts. For DMs: hold the message → “Report.” Instagram also has a dedicated image abuse reporting path for intimate images shared without consent.

I-tap ang tatlong tuldok sa post o story → “Report” → sundin ang mga prompt. Para sa DMs: i-hold ang mensahe → “Report.” May dedicated na image abuse reporting path din ang Instagram para sa intimate images na na-share nang walang pahintulot.

X (Twitter)

Tap the three dots on a tweet → “Report post” → select “It’s abusive or harmful.” For DMs: tap the message → “Report message.”

I-tap ang tatlong tuldok sa tweet → “Report post” → piliin ang “It’s abusive or harmful.” Para sa DMs: i-tap ang mensahe → “Report message.”

Step 4: File a Police Report with PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group

Hakbang 4: Mag-file ng Police Report sa PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) is the primary law enforcement unit for cybercrime complaints. You can file in person or initiate the process online.

Ang PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) ang pangunahing law enforcement unit para sa mga reklamo sa cybercrime. Maaari kang mag-file nang personal o simulan ang proseso online.

1. Prepare your complaint-affidavit. Write a sworn statement describing what happened — who harassed you, when, where (which platform), and how. Attach all your screenshots and evidence. Have the affidavit notarized.
2. Go to PNP ACG Headquarters at Camp BGen. Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City, or visit any Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit. You can also start through the PNP ACG online portal or e-Sumbong platform.
3. Submit your complaint with the affidavit, printed screenshots, URL records, valid government ID, and any other evidence.
4. Get your reference number. The PNP will assign a case reference. Keep this for follow-ups.

1. Ihanda ang iyong complaint-affidavit. Sumulat ng sinumpaang pahayag na naglalarawan ng nangyari — sino ang nang-harass sa iyo, kailan, saan (aling platform), at paano. Ilakip ang lahat ng screenshots at ebidensya mo. Ipa-notarize ang affidavit.
2. Pumunta sa PNP ACG Headquarters sa Camp BGen. Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City, o bumisita sa anumang Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit. Maaari ka ring magsimula sa PNP ACG online portal o e-Sumbong platform.
3. I-submit ang iyong reklamo kasama ang affidavit, printed screenshots, URL records, valid government ID, at anumang iba pang ebidensya.
4. Kunin ang iyong reference number. Mag-aassign ang PNP ng case reference. Itabi ito para sa mga follow-ups.

Step 5: File with the NBI Cybercrime Division

Hakbang 5: Mag-file sa NBI Cybercrime Division

You can file with the NBI in addition to or instead of the PNP. The NBI Cybercrime Division handles more complex cases and has forensic capabilities.

Maaari kang mag-file sa NBI bilang dagdag o kapalit ng PNP. Ang NBI Cybercrime Division ang humahawak ng mas kumplikadong mga kaso at may forensic capabilities.

1. Prepare the same documents as the PNP filing: notarized complaint-affidavit, evidence, and valid ID.
2. Visit the NBI Cybercrime Division at NBI Headquarters, Taft Avenue, Manila, or any NBI regional office with cybercrime capabilities.
3. For initial reporting, you can email your complaint to crd@nbi.gov.ph or use the NBI online complaint portal at nbi.gov.ph/online-complaint. Formal filing still requires in-person submission.
4. Expect an interview. The NBI may require supplemental statements. Processing typically takes around 30 days for initial assessment.

1. Ihanda ang parehong mga dokumento tulad ng sa PNP: notarized complaint-affidavit, ebidensya, at valid ID.
2. Bumisita sa NBI Cybercrime Division sa NBI Headquarters, Taft Avenue, Manila, o sa anumang NBI regional office na may cybercrime capabilities.
3. Para sa initial reporting, maaari mong i-email ang iyong reklamo sa crd@nbi.gov.ph o gamitin ang NBI online complaint portal sa nbi.gov.ph/online-complaint. Ang pormal na pag-file ay nangangailangan pa rin ng personal na pagpunta.
4. Mag-asahan ng interview. Maaaring mangailangan ang NBI ng karagdagang pahayag. Ang processing ay karaniwang tumatagal ng 30 araw para sa initial assessment.

Step 6: Consider Legal Action

Hakbang 6: Isaalang-alang ang Legal Action

After filing with the PNP or NBI, you may pursue criminal prosecution. Here is what to expect and where to get help.

Pagkatapos mag-file sa PNP o NBI, maaari mong isulong ang criminal prosecution. Narito ang mga inaasahan at kung saan ka makakakuha ng tulong.

• The Prosecutor’s Office conducts a preliminary investigation based on your complaint and evidence. If probable cause is found, a criminal case is filed in court.
• DOJ Office of Cybercrime coordinates prosecution of cybercrime cases. Contact: cybercrime@doj.gov.ph | (02) 8524-8216 | Ermita, Manila.
• Free legal aid: The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) at (02) 8929-9436 loc. 106/107 provides free legal representation. No indigency test required for harassment victims.
• Civil damages: Beyond criminal penalties, you can file a separate civil case for moral and exemplary damages against the harasser.
• CICC (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center) under DICT helps coordinate inter-agency cybercrime cases. Website: cicc.gov.ph.

• Ang Prosecutor’s Office ang nagsasagawa ng preliminary investigation batay sa iyong reklamo at ebidensya. Kung may probable cause, nagfa-file ng criminal case sa korte.
• DOJ Office of Cybercrime ang nag-coordinate ng prosecution ng cybercrime cases. Contact: cybercrime@doj.gov.ph | (02) 8524-8216 | Ermita, Manila.
• Libreng tulong legal: Ang Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) sa (02) 8929-9436 loc. 106/107 ay nagbibigay ng libreng representasyon. Walang indigency test na kailangan para sa mga biktima ng harassment.
• Civil damages: Bukod sa criminal penalties, maaari kang mag-file ng hiwalay na civil case para sa moral at exemplary damages laban sa harasser.
• CICC (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center) sa ilalim ng DICT ang tumutulong mag-coordinate ng inter-agency cybercrime cases. Website: cicc.gov.ph.

Step 7: Protect Yourself Going Forward

Hakbang 7: Protektahan ang Sarili Mo Simula Ngayon

While your case is being investigated, take steps to reduce your exposure and prevent further harassment.

Habang iniimbestigahan ang iyong kaso, gumawa ng mga hakbang para mabawasan ang exposure mo at maiwasan ang karagdagang harassment.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts — Facebook, email, TikTok, Instagram. Use an authenticator app rather than SMS when possible.
• Review privacy settings. Set profiles to private or “Friends Only.” Disable location sharing. Remove your phone number from public profiles.
• Block the harasser on all platforms. Do not engage or respond — anything you say can complicate the case.
• Change passwords on all important accounts, especially if you suspect your account was compromised. Use a unique password for each account.
• Google yourself. Search your name and phone number to see what personal information is publicly available. Request removal of doxxed information through platform reporting.
• Tell someone you trust. A friend, family member, or counselor. Isolation makes harassment harder to endure.

• I-enable ang two-factor authentication (2FA) sa lahat ng accounts — Facebook, email, TikTok, Instagram. Gumamit ng authenticator app kaysa SMS kung maaari.
• I-review ang privacy settings. I-set ang profiles sa private o “Friends Only.” I-disable ang location sharing. Tanggalin ang phone number mo sa public profiles.
• I-block ang harasser sa lahat ng platform. Huwag mag-engage o mag-reply — anumang sabihin mo ay maaaring magpakomplikado sa kaso.
• Palitan ang mga password sa lahat ng importanteng accounts, lalo na kung pinaghihinalaan mong na-compromise ang account mo. Gumamit ng unique na password sa bawat account.
• I-Google ang sarili mo. I-search ang iyong pangalan at phone number para makita kung anong personal information ang available sa publiko. Mag-request ng removal ng doxxed information sa pamamagitan ng platform reporting.
• Sabihin sa taong pinagkakatiwalaan mo. Kaibigan, pamilya, o counselor. Ang pag-iisa ay nagpapahirap sa pagharap sa harassment.

Crisis Hotlines & Contacts

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