1) What counts as “threats” or “harassment” by text?

Text messages can create criminal, civil, and protective-order consequences when they:

Threaten harm (to a person, a loved one, property, reputation, or livelihood)
Coerce you to do something (pay money, meet up, stop a relationship, withdraw a complaint)
Repeatedly disturb or intimidate you (relentless messaging, late-night barrage, baiting, humiliating)
Sexually harass you (unwanted sexual remarks, demands, non-consensual sexual content)
Disclose intimate images or threaten to do so
Dox you (expose your address/contacts) or encourage others to attack you

A single message can be enough for some offenses (especially direct threats). For others, a pattern strengthens the case.

2) Key Philippine laws that may apply

A. Revised Penal Code (RPC): Threat-related crimes

Depending on the wording and context, the following RPC offenses are commonly relevant:

Grave Threats Generally involves threatening to inflict a wrong amounting to a crime (e.g., “I will kill you,” “I’ll burn your house,” “I’ll break your legs,” “I’ll have you raped,” “I’ll have someone stab you,” etc.). Severity can depend on factors such as:

Whether the threat is conditional (e.g., “If you don’t pay, I’ll…”)
Whether there’s a demand, coercion, or extortion-like angle
Whether the threat is serious/credible based on circumstances

Light Threats / Other Threats Less grave forms of threatening behavior may still be punishable (e.g., threats that do not necessarily amount to a crime, or threats made in certain contexts).
Grave Coercion / Light Coercion When the texting is used to force you to do something against your will (or prevent you from doing something lawful), especially by intimidation.
Unjust Vexation (commonly used when conduct is bothersome and without lawful purpose) Often invoked for persistent, irritating, insulting, or disturbing behavior that doesn’t neatly fit other offenses—but still causes distress.

Practical note: Prosecutors and investigators often evaluate the exact words, frequency, relationship, history, and risk (e.g., prior violence, stalking behavior, weapons references) to determine the most fitting charge(s).

B. Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175)

Even though your issue is “text messages,” cybercrime concepts can still matter when the messages involve electronic communications and when law enforcement needs cyber-forensic handling. RA 10175 is commonly relevant if:

The conduct overlaps with computer-related offenses; or
The evidence collection involves digital devices; or
The harassment includes online channels beyond SMS (messaging apps, social media, email)

RA 10175 is also often referenced in practice when coordinating with cybercrime units, even if the underlying offense is still grounded in the RPC or special laws.

C. Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act (RA 9262)

This is one of the most powerful legal tools for threats/harassment when the offender is:

A current or former husband, or
A current or former boyfriend/intimate partner, or
Someone with whom you have (or had) a dating/sexual relationship, or
The father of your child

RA 9262 covers psychological violence, which can include:

Threats
Harassment
Stalking-like behavior
Intimidation
Repeated verbal abuse via messages
Controlling behavior (monitoring, isolation, threats to ruin you)

Big advantage: RA 9262 supports Protection Orders (see Section 6 below), which can quickly stop contact and create enforceable boundaries.

RA 9262 is designed to protect women and their children. It is not the only remedy for others, but it is a primary remedy for women victims in an intimate/dating context.

D. Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) (RA 11313)

If the messages are gender-based sexual harassment, RA 11313 may apply. This can include:

Unwanted sexual remarks
Sexual demands
Persistent sexual messaging
Threats tied to sex
Online sexual harassment (including via electronic means)

This law can be used even outside an intimate relationship, depending on circumstances.

E. Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act (RA 9995) and related remedies

If the harassment includes:

Threatening to share intimate photos/videos, or
Actually sharing intimate photos/videos without consent

RA 9995 and related criminal/civil remedies may apply. Preserve evidence immediately and consider urgent reporting.

F. Data Privacy Act (RA 10173) (context-dependent)

If the person is:

Publishing your personal information (address, IDs, employer details), or
Misusing private data obtained from work systems or other sources

This may open additional routes (including complaints involving privacy rights), depending on facts.

3) Where to file: choosing the right forum

Option 1: Barangay (Katarungang Pambarangay)

Useful when:

The offender is in the same city/municipality
The case is the type required for barangay conciliation before court/prosecutor filing (some disputes require this; many criminal cases have exceptions)

But barangay is NOT always appropriate when:

There’s immediate danger
The offense is not subject to conciliation
You need urgent protection measures
The case involves certain special laws or circumstances

If you’re unsure, you may still go to the barangay for documentation and referral—but don’t let that delay urgent reporting.

Option 2: Police (PNP) / Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD)

Recommended when:

There are threats of physical harm
The harasser is nearby, escalating, or credible
You need a blotter entry, immediate intervention, or quick referrals

For intimate-partner cases involving women/children, the WCPD is often the best first stop.

Option 3: NBI Cybercrime Division / PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG)

Recommended when:

The offender hides behind anonymous numbers/accounts
There are multiple channels (SMS + apps + social media)
You suspect organized harassment, impersonation, doxxing, or image-based abuse
You need stronger digital evidence handling

These units can guide digital preservation and coordinate technical requests when appropriate.

Option 4: Office of the City/Provincial Prosecutor

This is where many criminal complaints ultimately go for:

Preliminary investigation (for cases requiring it)
Filing of Information in court when probable cause is found

You typically submit a Complaint-Affidavit with attachments (your evidence).

4) Before you file: preserve evidence the right way

Digital evidence problems are the #1 reason messaging cases stall. Do the following:

A. Don’t delete anything

Keep the entire conversation thread
Avoid “cleaning” your phone or reinstalling apps

B. Capture screenshots—but don’t rely on screenshots alone

Do both:

Screenshots showing:
- The number/name at the top
- The message content
- Date/time stamps
- Any threat/demand clearly visible
A full export or photo documentation:
- If your phone allows printing/sharing message threads, save them
- Use clear photos of the screen if screenshots don’t show metadata well

C. Record context and chronology

Make a simple timeline:

When harassment started
Notable escalations
Any real-world encounters tied to the texts
Any witnesses who saw the messages or heard related calls

D. Keep identifiers

SIM/number(s), alternate numbers, and any names used
Payment requests, bank/e-wallet details (if extortion-related)
Links, usernames, and other handles referenced in texts

E. Back up to a safe place

Secure cloud drive, encrypted storage, or external drive
Keep copies of files you plan to submit

F. If you fear immediate harm

Evidence is important, but safety is more important. If a threat seems imminent, report immediately to the police and consider seeking urgent protection.

5) Step-by-step: how to file a criminal complaint

Step 1: Decide your primary legal theory (don’t overthink this)

You can describe facts; authorities can classify the offense. Still, it helps to identify likely anchors:

Direct threats of violence → RPC threats/coercion
Relentless disturbing texts → unjust vexation/harassment-related offenses
Ex/intimate partner harassment → RA 9262 psychological violence + Protection Orders
Sexual harassment → RA 11313
Intimate images → RA 9995 and related offenses

You can file more than one complaint theory when supported by facts.

Step 2: Prepare a Complaint-Affidavit (core document)

A standard complaint-affidavit typically includes:

Caption/Title

“Complaint-Affidavit”
Name of respondent (or “John/Jane Doe” if unknown), phone number(s) used

Your personal details

Name, age, civil status, address (or safe address if at risk), contact details

Relationship with respondent

How you know them (ex, coworker, stranger)
Prior incidents (brief)

Narration of facts (chronological)

Dates/times and what was said
Quote the most important messages (verbatim)
Describe your fear, distress, disruption, and any protective actions you took

Evidence list

Screenshots (marked as Annex “A,” “B,” etc.)
Timeline
Witness affidavits (if any)
Any supporting records (call logs, barangay blotter, prior reports)

Prayer

Request investigation and filing of appropriate charges

Verification and signature

Usually notarized (many prosecutor filings require notarization)

Tip: Keep it factual. Avoid exaggerations. Include only what you can support.

Step 3: Print and label your attachments (“Annexes”)

Annex A: Screenshot set 1 (with brief description)
Annex B: Screenshot set 2
Annex C: Timeline
Annex D: Barangay blotter / police blotter (if any)
Annex E: Witness affidavit(s)

Make at least:

One set for the prosecutor/investigator
One set for yourself (master copy)
Extra set(s) if asked

Step 4: File with the proper office

If filing with the Prosecutor’s Office:

Submit your complaint-affidavit and annexes
You may be scheduled for clarificatory questions
The respondent may be required to submit a counter-affidavit

If filing first with police/cybercrime units:

They may take statements, make a blotter entry, and help structure the case for prosecutor filing

Step 5: Preliminary Investigation (what to expect)

Many criminal complaints go through preliminary investigation, where:

You file the complaint and evidence
Respondent submits counter-affidavit
You may submit a reply affidavit
Prosecutor decides if there is probable cause to file in court

This is document-heavy. Your evidence quality matters.

6) Protection Orders and immediate relief (often the fastest “stop contact” option)

If the offender is an intimate partner/ex (or otherwise within RA 9262 coverage), consider:

A. Barangay Protection Order (BPO)

Typically faster, issued at barangay level
Can order the respondent to stop harassment/contact

B. Temporary Protection Order (TPO) / Permanent Protection Order (PPO)

Sought from courts
Can include stronger restrictions (no contact, stay-away, etc.)

If the conduct is sexual harassment or gender-based online harassment, protective and remedial mechanisms may be available depending on the situation and the forum handling it.

Why this matters: Criminal cases take time. Protection orders focus on immediate safety and no-contact rules.

7) If the sender is unknown (anonymous number)

You can still file.

What you can do now

Preserve all messages and any linked accounts
Note patterns (time sent, repeated phrases, demands)
Check if the messages reference personal info only a limited circle knows (helps narrow suspects)

How identification typically happens

Law enforcement may seek technical assistance and records through lawful processes (often requiring legal steps such as subpoenas/court orders, depending on the record and context)
If the harassment includes other platforms (messaging apps/social media), platform traces can become relevant

Important: Don’t rely on informal “trace” services. Focus on lawful channels to keep evidence admissible and protect yourself.

8) Common mistakes that weaken cases

Deleting messages or blocking without preserving evidence first
Submitting screenshots only with no context, dates, or thread continuity
Filing a vague affidavit (no dates, no quotes, no specific fear/harm described)
Publicly posting everything online (can complicate privacy and escalation)
Trying to “trap” the offender with unlawful methods (could backfire)
Waiting too long while the behavior escalates (report early if safety risk exists)

Blocking is fine for safety—just preserve evidence first and consider keeping one channel documented if authorities advise it.

9) Safety planning while the case is ongoing

Tell a trusted person; share a screenshot set and your timeline
Adjust privacy settings; limit location sharing
Keep doors/locks/security routines tight if threats suggest physical harm
If the person knows your workplace/school, discreetly notify security/HR/admin
Consider changing numbers only after evidence preservation; keep the old SIM/phone for documentation if possible

If there are explicit death threats or credible harm indicators, treat it as urgent.

10) A simple “filing checklist”

Evidence

Full message thread preserved
Screenshots with number + date/time
Timeline of incidents
Witness statements (if any)
Backup copies stored safely

Documents

Complaint-Affidavit drafted
Annexes labeled and printed
IDs and basic personal details ready

Where

Police/WCPD (if urgent/safety)
PNP ACG / NBI Cybercrime (if anonymous/technical)
Prosecutor’s Office (for formal criminal complaint)
Barangay (if appropriate and safe; or for BPO in RA 9262 cases)

11) Sample structure you can copy for your Complaint-Affidavit (outline)

I. Personal circumstances and relationship with respondent
II. Narrative of incidents (chronological)
- Incident 1 (date/time): exact message + your reaction
- Incident 2…
III. Why the messages are threatening/harassing
- Fear, intimidation, disruption, psychological distress
IV. Evidence
- Annex list
V. Prayer
- Request investigation and filing of appropriate charges
Signature and notarization

Keep the most serious messages front and center.

12) Final reminders

The “best” legal pathway depends heavily on who the sender is, what exactly was said, and your relationship with them—especially for RA 9262 and RA 11313.
You don’t need perfect legal labels to report. What matters is a clear factual account and well-preserved evidence.
If you believe you are in immediate danger, prioritize urgent reporting and immediate protective measures.

This article is for general information and does not constitute legal advice.