Cyber harassment, often categorized under Cyber Libel or Unjust Vexation in a digital context, is a serious offense governed primarily by Republic Act No. 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Victims of online harassment have specific legal pathways to seek redress and hold perpetrators accountable.

I. Understanding the Legal Basis

While "Cyber Harassment" is a broad term, it is prosecuted under several provisions of Philippine law depending on the nature of the act:

Cyber Libel (Section 4(c)(4)): Public and malicious imputation of a crime, vice, or defect, committed through a computer system.
Online Threat/Harassment: Often linked to the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), which penalizes gender-based online sexual harassment, including stalking, uploading/sharing photos without consent, and sending discriminatory or offensive messages.
Identity Theft (Section 4(b)(3)): The intentional acquisition or use of identifying information belonging to another person without right.

II. Essential Evidence Gathering

Before proceeding to a government agency, you must secure digital evidence. Philippine courts follow the Rules on Electronic Evidence, meaning "screenshots" alone may be challenged if not properly authenticated.

Preserve the URL: Copy the direct link to the profile, post, or comment.
Screenshots: Capture the offending material, ensuring the timestamp and the identity of the sender/poster are visible.
Metadata: If possible, save the source code or use "Save Page As" to capture the webpage’s background data.
Chain of Custody: Do not delete the original messages or posts on your end; the authorities may need to perform a forensic extraction.

III. Where to File the Complaint

In the Philippines, two primary law enforcement agencies handle cybercrime. You may approach either:

1. PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG)

The PNP-ACG is the specialized unit of the Philippine National Police.

Location: Camp Crame, Quezon City (or Regional ACG offices).
Process: You will undergo an initial interview and a technical evaluation of your evidence.

2. NBI Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD)

The National Bureau of Investigation handles complex cyber investigations.

Location: NBI Building, Taft Avenue, Manila (or Regional/District offices).
Process: Similar to the PNP, they will require a formal sworn statement (affidavit) and the submission of digital evidence for forensic examination.

IV. The Step-by-Step Procedure

Preparation of Complaint-Affidavit: With the help of a lawyer or the investigating officer, draft a sworn statement narrating the facts of the harassment.
Technical Verification: The agency (PNP or NBI) will verify the digital footprints. If the perpetrator is anonymous, they may issue a Subpoena to Service Providers (ISPs) or platforms, though this often requires a court order (Warrant to Disclose Computer Data).
Filing at the Prosecutor’s Office: Once the agency gathers enough evidence, they will refer the case to the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the local Prosecutor’s Office for Inquest or Preliminary Investigation.
Probable Cause Determination: The Prosecutor determines if there is "probable cause." If found, an Information (criminal charge) is filed in court.
Issuance of Warrant: The Judge reviews the case and issues a warrant of arrest against the respondent.

V. Jurisdiction and Penalties

Under RA 10175, the penalty for crimes committed through a computer system is generally one degree higher than those provided by the Revised Penal Code. For example, Cyber Libel carries a penalty of prision mayor (6 years and 1 day to 12 years), which is significantly higher than traditional libel.

Regional Trial Courts (RTC) designated as "Special Commercial Courts" typically have jurisdiction over cybercrime cases.

VI. Important Considerations

Prescription Period: For Cyber Libel, the Supreme Court has clarified in recent jurisprudence that the prescriptive period (the window of time you have to file) is 15 years, though it is highly recommended to file as soon as the discovery is made.
Publicity: For an act to be libelous, it must be "public." Private messages (DMs) may not fall under Libel but could be prosecuted as Unjust Vexation or under the Safe Spaces Act.