A practical, everything-you-need-to-know guide in the Philippine setting. General information only, not legal advice.

1) What conduct are we talking about?

Grave threats — threatening another with the commission of a crime (e.g., “I will kill/burn/maim you”), with or without a condition. The Revised Penal Code (RPC) penalizes:
- threats to commit a crime against the person, honor, or property;
- whether or not the offender demands/attaches a condition (e.g., pay money, move out); and
- with higher penalties if the threat is in writing or through a go-between, or if the offender actually attained the purpose/benefit of the threat.
Light/other threats & related offenses — when the threat does not amount to a crime, or the conduct is otherwise harassing, the RPC may still apply:
- Light threats / other light threats (less serious variants).
- Grave coercion — compelling you to do something you have the right not to do, or to stop doing something you have the right to do, by violence, intimidation, or threats.
- Unjust vexation — acts that annoy, distress, or irritate without lawful reason (catch-all for nonviolent harassment).
- Alarm and scandal — tumultuous or scandalous disturbance in public.
- Qualified trespass to dwelling — entering your home against your will (even without theft/violence).
- Malicious mischief — damaging your property out of spite.
Gender-based sexual harassment (Safe Spaces Act) — catcalling, intrusive sexual remarks/gestures, stalking, and related acts in public/online, including those done by neighbors.
Cyber variants — threats/harassment via text, chat, social media may be covered by the Cybercrime law and electronic evidence rules.

2) Core elements of grave threats (street-smart checklist)

To evaluate if a neighbor’s behavior rises to grave threats, ask:

Was there a threat to commit a specific crime? (kill, burn, injure, destroy, etc.—not merely “you’ll regret it.”)
Was there intent to intimidate? Context, words used, prior incidents, and manner matter.
Was a condition demanded? (e.g., “Pay ₱___ or I’ll burn your house.”) Conditions aggravate.
How was it communicated? In person, in writing, through another, or online (written/mediated threats are treated more seriously).
Was the purpose attained? If the neighbor got what they wanted because of the threat, penalties increase.

If the answer to (1) is no but the conduct is threatening/abusive, consider light threats, grave coercion, unjust vexation, or Safe Spaces violations.

3) Evidence: how to build a clean, admissible record

Incident log: Keep a dated timeline (who/what/when/where/how).
Witnesses: Get names, contacts, short written statements as early as possible.
Messages & posts: Preserve texts, chats, voicemails, PMs, and screenshots with visible timestamps/usernames/URLs.
CCTV/bodycam: Save and export clips promptly.
Photos: Damage, weapons brandished, injuries, surroundings (wide + close shots).
Medical: If hurt or extremely distressed, obtain medico-legal and treatment records.
Police blotter: File a blotter immediately after serious incidents; attach copies to later complaints.
Wiretapping caution: The Anti-Wiretapping law generally bars secret audio recording of private conversations without required consent/court authority. Recordings made in public (non-private communication), openly, or by the victim in certain contexts may be treated differently, but when in doubt, prioritize written/visual evidence and witness testimony.

4) Immediate safety and preventive steps

Call 911 / nearest PNP station if there is an imminent threat; request patrol response.
Secure the scene: lights, cameras, sturdy locks; inform family/housemates about safety protocols.
No escalation: Do not retaliate; do not engage in mutual threats (you can both be charged).
Community support: Inform the barangay (tanods, barangay hall) for patrol visibility and quick response coordination.

5) Barangay Justice System (Katarungang Pambarangay)

If you and your neighbor reside in the same city/municipality, most minor offenses and disputes require barangay conciliation before filing a court case.
Exceptions: Cases with higher penalties, where one party is a government agency, where parties live in different cities/municipalities, or where real urgency or provisional remedies are needed.
Practical tip: Even if not strictly required, a barangay complaint creates an official paper trail and may produce an amicable settlement with undertakings (e.g., stay-away commitments). Violations can support later criminal/civil cases.

6) Criminal pathways you can pursue

A) Grave threats (RPC)

Where to file: City/Provincial Prosecutor’s Office (via complaint-affidavit) or police for referral.
What to attach: Your affidavit, witness affidavits, blotter, photos, screenshots, medical and damage proof.
Interim relief: You may ask the prosecutor/court for no-contact or stay-away conditions tied to bail or release conditions once a case is filed.

B) Grave coercion / unjust vexation / alarm & scandal / malicious mischief / trespass

Same filing mechanics. Choose the best-fit offense(s) based on facts; multiple counts may be appropriate.

C) Safe Spaces Act (gender-based harassment)

Public/online sexualized harassment by a neighbor may be pursued with the PNP, barangay, or city hall (many LGUs have implementing ordinances). Sanctions include fines, community service, and/or short detention, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders.

D) Cybercrime overlay

If threats/harassment are online, tagging the Cybercrime unit can stiffen penalties and preserve electronic evidence properly.

Note on penalties & bail: Making a punitive demand (e.g., money) or delivering the threat in writing/through a middleman typically raises the penalty tier, affecting jurisdiction, bail, and whether barangay conciliation is still a prerequisite.

7) Civil remedies (in addition to, or instead of, criminal cases)

Injunction/TRO (Regional Trial Court): To restrain a neighbor from threatening/harassing, blocking access, or committing nuisance acts; often requires a bond and proof of urgent and irreparable harm.
Damages under the Civil Code (Arts. 19, 20, 21 — human relations): Moral, exemplary, and actual damages for wrongful acts contra bonos mores.
Nuisance abatement: If conduct constitutes a private nuisance (e.g., persistent blasting music, smoke, stench, dangerous structures), sue to abate and recover damages.
Ejectment (if neighbor encroaches/occupies): Unlawful detainer/forcible entry via MTC within strict periods.

Strategic note: A criminal complaint + civil action for damages (or reservation to file separately) gives both deterrence and compensation tracks.

8) Protection strategies if you’re especially at risk

Safety plan: Alternate routes, emergency contacts, safe room, code words for family.
Hardware: Motion lights, CCTV (with proper angle to public areas), peepholes, reinforced doors.
Information hygiene: Keep schedules private; limit shared building chats where the neighbor can track you.
Third-party presence: Coordinate with neighbors’ association or security for escorts during flashpoints (e.g., late-night arrivals).
Document violations of any settlement or court order immediately; repeated acts can support stiffer penalties or contempt.

9) How a typical case flows (criminal)

Police/barangay blotter → Complaint-affidavit with prosecutor.
Preliminary investigation → respondent files counter-affidavit; clarificatory hearings if needed.
Resolution → filing of Information in court (or dismissal).
Arraignment/pre-trial → trial → judgment.
Sentencing may include imprisonment, fines, and no-contact conditions. Civil liability may be awarded if included.

Parallel civil case (injunction/damages) may proceed in RTC, with urgent TRO/Preliminary Injunction where warranted.

10) Common defenses neighbors raise (expect these)

“I was joking / heat of the moment” — context and pattern defeat this.
“No intent to intimidate” — words, tone, gestures, prior incidents, and aftermath matter.
“No specific crime threatened” — imprecise statements weaken grave threats but may still be light threats/unjust vexation.
“Fabricated evidence” — preserve metadata, keep original files/devices, and line up third-party witnesses.
“Private conversation recording is illegal” — ensure your proof doesn’t hinge solely on proscribed recordings; rely on admissible items.

11) Practical tips for a strong, fast case

Name the correct offense in your affidavit but describe all acts; prosecutors can properly classify.
Chronology sells your case: show escalation, dates, times, and triggers.
Calibrate remedies: If you need immediate restraint, go for TRO/injunction alongside criminal filing.
Don’t over-claim: Stick to provable facts; avoid exaggerations that impeach your credibility.
Mind KP rules: If barangay conciliation is required, comply; failure can dismiss your case for being premature.

12) Quick decision tree

Imminent danger? → Call 911/PNP, secure area, seek medical care if needed.
Specific crime threatened? → Prepare grave threats complaint; consider TRO if needed.
Harassing but less than grave? → Consider light threats, grave coercion, unjust vexation, Safe Spaces.
Same city/municipality? → Check if barangay conciliation is a precondition; file at barangay unless an exception applies.
Online? → Preserve electronic evidence; consider cybercrime overlay.

13) Templates (short forms)

A) Police/Barangay Incident Blotter (bullet style)

Date/Time:
Place:
Persons involved:
Narrative of incident (objective, concise):
Witnesses:
Evidence attached (photos/screenshots):
Requested action (patrol, mediation, record only):
Reporter’s signature and contact:

B) Complaint-Affidavit (outline)

I. Parties and addresses
II. Material dates and places (chronological narration)
III. Specific words/acts constituting threat/harassment
IV. Elements of the offense satisfied
V. Evidence list (Annexes A–__)
VI. Prayer (filing of appropriate charges; issuance of Hold-Departure/No-Contact as warranted)
Verification & jurat

14) FAQs

Can I sue even if there’s no injury yet? Yes. Threats and harassment are punishable even without consummated violence.

Do I need a lawyer? Not strictly to file with police/prosecutor/barangay, but counsel is highly advisable to select the proper offense(s) and secure injunctive relief.

What if the neighbor is a minor? Special procedures under juvenile laws apply; coordinate with PNP Women & Children Protection Desk and DSWD.

Can a settlement stop a criminal case? For some light offenses, amicable settlement at the barangay may extinguish the case. For grave threats and serious charges, prosecutors may still proceed in the public interest.

Can I install cameras? Yes, generally for your property and public view. Avoid cameras pointed inside the neighbor’s private interior spaces.

15) One-page action plan

Safety first: 911/PNP if imminent risk; secure home; notify barangay.
Document: incident log, witnesses, photos/videos, screenshots, medical.
Blotter: police/barangay the same day or ASAP.
Assess offense: grave threats vs. light threats vs. coercion/unjust vexation/Safe Spaces.
File: barangay complaint (if required), prosecutor complaint-affidavit; consider TRO/injunction.
Follow through: attend hearings, keep evidence chain, update incident log for any repeat acts.
Stay professional: no counter-threats; let the paper trail and law work for you.

If you share a brief timeline (dates, exact words used, any witnesses or posts), I can draft a ready-to-file complaint-affidavit tailored to your facts and advise which remedies (criminal, barangay, civil) best fit your situation.