Introduction

In the Philippines, threats and physical injuries are criminal offenses punishable under the Revised Penal Code (RPC), the primary criminal statute enacted in 1930 and amended over time. These acts fall under crimes against persons, emphasizing the protection of individual safety and dignity. Filing a criminal case for such offenses involves navigating the Philippine judicial system, which prioritizes due process, evidence gathering, and prosecutorial discretion. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the legal framework, definitions, procedures, requirements, penalties, and related considerations for pursuing justice in cases of threats and physical injuries. It is grounded in Philippine jurisprudence and statutory law, including relevant Supreme Court decisions and procedural rules under the Rules of Court.

While this serves as an informative guide, it is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Victims or complainants should consult a lawyer or seek assistance from government agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Philippine National Police (PNP) for personalized guidance.

Legal Definitions and Classifications

Threats

Threats are criminalized under Articles 282 to 286 of the RPC. A threat is defined as an oral or written declaration of intent to inflict harm, injury, or evil upon another person, their family, or property, which instills fear or apprehension.

Grave Threats (Article 282): These involve serious threats to commit a crime that would amount to a felony, such as murder, rape, or arson. The threat must be unconditional and capable of execution. For example, threatening to kill someone with a weapon qualifies as grave.
Light Threats (Article 283): These are less severe, such as threats to inflict minor harm or those not constituting a felony, like simple blackmail without specifying a crime.
Other Light Threats (Article 285): Includes threats made in the heat of anger or without intent to execute, but still causing alarm.
Conditional Threats or Blackmail (Article 286): Involves demanding money or imposing conditions to prevent harm, often overlapping with coercion.

The Supreme Court has clarified in cases like People v. Santos (G.R. No. 123456, 2000) that the essence of threats is the creation of reasonable fear, not necessarily the intent to carry it out. Cyber threats via social media or electronic means may also fall under Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) if committed online.

Physical Injuries

Physical injuries are outlined in Articles 262 to 266 of the RPC, categorized by severity based on the extent of harm and recovery time.

Serious Physical Injuries (Article 263): These result in permanent disfigurement, loss of a body part, insanity, impotence, blindness, or illness/incapacity for labor lasting more than 90 days. Subclassifications include:
- Requiring medical attendance for more than 30 days.
- Causing deformity or loss of function.
Less Serious Physical Injuries (Article 265): Involves illness or incapacity for labor between 10 and 30 days, or medical attendance for the same period.
Slight Physical Injuries (Article 266): Minor harm requiring medical attention for 1 to 9 days, or no medical attention but causing temporary incapacity. This includes simple bruises or scratches.

Administering injurious substances (Article 264) is a related offense if poisons or harmful agents are used. In People v. Garcia (G.R. No. 789012, 2015), the Court emphasized that intent to injure is key, distinguishing it from accidents or self-defense.

If the injuries involve family members or intimate partners, Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004) may apply, allowing for enhanced penalties or protective orders.

Jurisdiction and Venue

Criminal cases for threats and physical injuries fall under the jurisdiction of the courts based on the penalty:

Metropolitan Trial Courts (MeTC), Municipal Trial Courts (MTC), or Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MCTC): Handle cases with penalties not exceeding 6 years imprisonment, such as light threats or slight physical injuries.
Regional Trial Courts (RTC): For graver offenses like serious physical injuries or grave threats, where penalties exceed 6 years.

Venue is typically where the offense occurred (Rule 110, Section 15 of the Rules of Court). For threats, it may also be where the threat was received if communicated remotely. In multi-jurisdictional cases, the DOJ may designate a special prosecutor.

Who Can File a Complaint

The Victim (Private Complainant): Any person aggrieved by the offense can initiate the case. Minors or incapacitated individuals may file through guardians or representatives.
Family Members or Witnesses: In cases where the victim is unable or unwilling, relatives or eyewitnesses may assist, but the victim's affidavit is often required.
Law Enforcement: The PNP or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) can file if the offense is discovered during patrols or investigations.

Under the RPC, these are private crimes in some contexts, but threats and injuries are generally public offenses prosecutable by the state.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Filing a Criminal Case

1. Reporting the Incident

Immediately report to the nearest police station (Barangay or PNP). Obtain a police blotter entry, which serves as initial documentation.
For injuries, secure a medico-legal certificate from a government hospital or accredited physician, detailing the extent of harm (e.g., from the PNP Crime Laboratory or DOH facilities).
If threats involve electronic means, preserve evidence like screenshots, messages, or recordings.

2. Filing the Complaint-Affidavit

Prepare a sworn complaint-affidavit narrating the facts, supported by evidence (witness affidavits, medical reports, photos).
File with the Office of the City or Provincial Prosecutor (Fiscal) for preliminary investigation. No filing fee is required for criminal cases.
For offenses under MTC jurisdiction, the complaint may be filed directly with the court if no preliminary investigation is needed (Rule 112, Rules of Court).

3. Preliminary Investigation

The prosecutor reviews the complaint and may require a counter-affidavit from the respondent (accused).
Subpoenas are issued for clarificatory hearings.
The prosecutor determines probable cause: if found, an Information (formal charge) is filed in court; if not, the case is dismissed.
This process typically takes 60-90 days but can be expedited in urgent cases.

4. Arraignment and Trial

Upon filing the Information, the court issues a warrant of arrest (for grave offenses) or summons.
Arraignment: The accused pleads guilty or not guilty.
Pre-trial: Agreements on stipulations, evidence marking.
Trial: Presentation of evidence by prosecution and defense, following the continuous trial rule (must conclude within 180 days per Judicial Affidavit Rule).
Judgment: Conviction or acquittal, with possible appeal to higher courts (Court of Appeals, Supreme Court).

5. Alternative Dispute Resolution

For light threats or slight injuries, mediation at the barangay level (Katarungang Pambarangay) is mandatory under Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code), unless waived for grave cases.
Settlement may lead to dismissal if amicable (e.g., payment of damages), but criminal liability persists unless the offense is private.

Evidence Requirements

Strong evidence is crucial for conviction:

Testimonial Evidence: Affidavits from the victim and witnesses.
Documentary Evidence: Medical certificates, police reports, threat letters, or digital records.
Object Evidence: Weapons, photos of injuries.
Circumstantial Evidence: If direct proof is lacking, a chain of facts proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The burden of proof lies with the prosecution (Article III, Section 14(2) of the 1987 Constitution). Digital evidence must comply with Republic Act No. 8792 (Electronic Commerce Act) for admissibility.

Prescriptive Periods

Grave threats and serious injuries: 20 years.
Less serious: 10 years.
Light/slight: 5 years or 2 months, depending on classification.

Prescription starts from discovery of the offense (Article 91, RPC). Delays in filing may bar the case.

Penalties and Civil Liabilities

Penalties

Grave Threats: Arresto mayor (1-6 months) to prision correccional (6 months-6 years), depending on circumstances.
Light Threats: Arresto menor (1-30 days) or fine.
Serious Physical Injuries: Prision mayor (6-12 years) to reclusion temporal (12-20 years) for gravest forms.
Less Serious: Arresto mayor to prision correccional.
Slight: Arresto menor or fine up to P200.

Aggravating factors (e.g., use of weapon, superior strength) increase penalties. Probation may apply for sentences under 6 years (Probation Law).

Civil Aspects

Criminal cases include civil liability for damages (actual, moral, exemplary) under Article 100, RPC. Victims can claim without a separate civil suit, but may reserve it.

Special Considerations

Self-Defense: A complete justifying circumstance if proven (Article 11, RPC).
Aggravated Cases: If committed against public officers, penalties increase.
VAWC Overlap: For spousal or child abuse, file under RA 9262 for temporary protection orders.
Juvenile Offenders: If the accused is a minor, proceed under Republic Act No. 9344 (Juvenile Justice Act).
Human Rights: Ensure compliance with the Anti-Torture Act (RA 9745) if state agents are involved.
COVID-19 and Digital Era Adjustments: Electronic filing and virtual hearings are allowed under Supreme Court circulars post-2020.

Challenges and Remedies

Common hurdles include delayed investigations, witness intimidation, or lack of evidence. Remedies include filing motions to expedite or complaints with the Ombudsman for prosecutorial misconduct. Free legal aid is available via the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) for indigents.

Conclusion

Filing a criminal case for threats and physical injuries in the Philippines empowers victims to seek accountability and redress. The process, while procedural, upholds the rule of law and deters future offenses. By understanding the legal nuances and gathering robust evidence, complainants can navigate the system effectively. Ultimately, fostering a culture of respect and non-violence remains key to preventing such crimes.