Report Cyber Crime Philippines: PNP-ACG & NBI Guide

Reporting cybercrime in the Philippines has become increasingly accessible, with dedicated agencies and online channels available to victims. Whether you are dealing with blackmail, sextortion, online fraud, or harassment, knowing exactly where to go and what to bring makes the process significantly faster and more effective. This guide covers the two primary agencies, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) and the NBI Cybercrime Division, along with step-by-step filing instructions, required documents, and what to expect after you report.

The Philippines takes cybercrime seriously. PNP-ACG reported 46 cases filed in a single week in early 2026, with arrests made across multiple regions. Both agencies operate under RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and have the authority to issue specialized cybercrime warrants, conduct digital forensics, and coordinate with international law enforcement.

Before You File: Prepare Your Evidence

The quality of your complaint depends almost entirely on how well your evidence is organized. Philippine cybercrime investigators rely heavily on digital documentation, and a well-prepared complaint moves significantly faster through the system.

What to Collect?

• Screenshots of all threatening messages, demands, and communications: include timestamps and usernames
• URLs of any content posted about you or used to threaten you
• Profile information of the perpetrator: usernames, phone numbers, email addresses, profile photos
• Payment details if money was demanded: account numbers, GCash numbers, cryptocurrency addresses
• Chronological timeline of events in writing, when contact began, when threats started, what was demanded

Do not alter or delete any digital evidence. If possible, have a trusted person witness your screenshots being taken, or use screen recording, to strengthen authenticity.

Prepare Your Affidavit

Both the PNP-ACG and NBI require a notarized Affidavit-Complaint, a sworn statement detailing the incident, the offender, the evidence, and the relief you are requesting. A standard format is available at both agencies. The affidavit should cover:

• How and when the cybercrime occurred?
• How you discovered it?
• The harm or damage suffered
• All evidence attached as annexes

Notarization is typically available free of charge at the agency itself when you file.

Filing with the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG)

Who Should File Here?

The PNP-ACG is best suited for handling these cases. Visit their official site for contact details and online reporting options:

• Online blackmail, sextortion, and Filipino sextortion cases
• Online scams and fraud
• Cyber libel and harassment
• Cases requiring quick police action or immediate threats
• Localized cases where the perpetrator may be identifiable

How to File In-Person?

• Visit the ACG Headquarters at Camp Crame, Quezon City, or the nearest Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) in your area
• Approach the receiving officer and state your intent to file a cybercrime complaint
• Fill out intake forms provided at the office
• Submit your notarized Affidavit-Complaint and all supporting evidence
• Swear to your affidavit before the authorized officer (free at the agency)
• Receive your case number keep this for all follow-ups

How to File Online?

Online threats may violate multiple criminal statutes:

The PNP ACG accepts preliminary online reports through their official website and the broader PNP iReport system. Online reports must eventually be supplemented by a formal sworn affidavit for legal validity, but they are useful for initiating the process, particularly for victims outside Metro Manila or abroad. You can also submit online cyber crime complaint to get the process started immediately.

Filing with the NBI Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD)

Who Should File Here?

The NBI is preferred for:

• Complex or transnational cases involving organized syndicates
• Cases where the perpetrator is outside the Philippines
• Large-scale operations affecting multiple victims
• Cases requiring deep forensic analysis or coordination with foreign law enforcement
• High-profile incidents

How to File In-Person?

• Visit the NBI Headquarters at Taft Avenue, Manila, or the nearest regional NBI office
• Proceed to the Cybercrime Division
• Submit your notarized Affidavit-Complaint and supporting evidence to the receiving investigator
• The NBI will conduct an initial assessment and issue a case number
• You may be required to provide additional statements or participate in further interviews

How to File Online?

The NBI offers online reporting options for non-urgent matters. However, in-person filing is strongly preferred for evidentiary integrity and immediate case opening. For complex cases involving international perpetrators, in-person filing with the NBI is almost always the better choice.

Other Reporting Channels

DOJ Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC)

The DOJ-OOC serves as the central authority for international mutual assistance and coordinates between agencies when cases cross borders. If your case involves a perpetrator operating from another country, the DOJ-OOC facilitates cooperation with foreign law enforcement through mutual legal assistance treaties.

CICC: Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center

The CICC coordinates national cybercrime efforts under the Office of the President. While it does not directly receive complaints, it facilitates information sharing between agencies. Report through: cicc.gov.ph/report

What Happens After You File?

Once your complaint is received, law enforcement may:

• Request preservation of computer data from service providers for at least six months
• Apply for cybercrime warrants: Warrant to Disclose Computer Data (WDCD) or Warrant to Intercept Computer Data (WICD)
• Conduct forensic examination of devices and digital evidence
• Summon you for further statements or clarification
• Coordinate with internet service providers or social media platforms for account data

If the complaint proceeds, it moves to the Department of Justice for inquest or preliminary investigation, which determines probable cause before formal charges are filed in court. Keep your case number and respond promptly to any requests from the investigating agency, delays in providing additional information are the most common reason cases stall.

The prescription period for most cybercrimes in the Philippines is 12 years, so you have time, but acting quickly produces better evidence, faster platform takedowns, and stronger cases. To understand the penalties behind these offenses, Blackmail Philippine Law covers RA 10175 in detail.

Reporting from Outside the Philippines

If you are an international victim of a Philippine-based cybercriminal, you can still report:

• Submit an online complaint to the PNP-ACG or NBI Cybercrime Division through their official portals
• Contact the DOJ-OOC, which handles international cooperation cases
• File a report with your local law enforcement, who can coordinate with Philippine authorities through international channels
• Report to the FBI IC3 at IC3.gov if you are in the United States

For stop sextortion involving Philippine-based perpetrators specifically, professional response services can coordinate content removal and evidence preservation across borders while law enforcement investigations proceed.

Special Considerations for Minors

Children and teenagers facing online threats need additional protection:

Parental Involvement

Parents should:

• Create safe, non-judgmental environment for disclosure
• Avoid blaming children for being victimized
• Document everything thoroughly
• Report to school administrators if threats involve classmates
• Contact law enforcement immediately
• Consider professional counseling for child

Enhanced Legal Protections

Threats targeting minors invoke additional laws and enhanced penalties, including child protection statutes and exploitation laws.

School Coordination

When threats involve students at the same school, administrators should be informed to implement safety measures and address bullying policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I file with the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or the NBI?

Either accepts the complaint and both investigate. The PNP-ACG has more regional offices, which usually makes it faster to reach in person, while the NBI Cybercrime Division is often used where multiple victims or an organised operation are involved.

Can I file from outside the Philippines?

Yes. Complaints involving a Philippine-based offender are accepted from abroad, and the cybercrime units work with international counterparts. Report in your own country as well, because the two records support each other.

What evidence do I need before filing?

A dated record in chronological order: the account and platform, screenshots showing the handle and timestamp in the same frame, the amount demanded, and any payment details or wallet addresses. Bring originals where you have them rather than cropped images.

Do I have to wait for the investigation before getting content removed?

No, and waiting is usually a mistake. Platform removal runs on its own policies and does not depend on any charge being filed, so the two tracks should proceed at the same time.

What happens if a minor is involved?

The case falls under the anti-OSAEC law rather than general extortion provisions, the penalties are heavier, and it should go to the cybercrime units immediately as a child protection matter.

Get Help Now

Facing online threats is frightening and stressful, but you're not helpless. Legal protections exist, law enforcement takes these crimes seriously, and help is available. By documenting thoroughly, reporting promptly, and seeking appropriate support, you can resolve these situations while minimizing harm.

Cybercrime reporting in the Philippines is accessible, and increasingly effective. The PNP-ACG and NBI have dedicated cybercrime units with experience handling blackmail, sextortion, fraud, and harassment cases. The key is acting quickly with well-prepared documentation.

If content has already been distributed, content removal and online harassment removal services can move faster than law enforcement in taking material down from platforms. Both tracks, reporting and removal can proceed simultaneously. For urgent situations involving active threats, cyber blackmail help is available.