Important note: This is a general legal article for Philippine practice and procedure, not a substitute for advice from a Philippine lawyer, prosecutor, or the Public Attorney’s Office. Criminal procedure and penalty classifications matter, and the correct charge depends on the facts, injuries, evidence, and applicable special laws.

I. Introduction

In the Philippines, a victim of physical injuries or assault may pursue a criminal case against the offender through the police, the Office of the Prosecutor, and eventually the courts. The exact process depends on several factors:

the nature and seriousness of the injuries;
whether the offender was caught in the act or lawfully arrested without a warrant;
whether the incident is covered by the Revised Penal Code or a special law;
whether barangay conciliation is required before filing;
whether the offense requires a preliminary investigation; and
whether the facts actually support a graver offense such as frustrated homicide, attempted homicide, direct assault, or a case under VAWC or child protection laws.

A person who wants to file a criminal case must therefore do two things correctly:

Preserve evidence immediately, especially medical and witness evidence; and
File in the proper forum, using the correct procedure.

This article explains the Philippine legal framework, the practical filing steps, the evidence needed, the role of the police and prosecutor, the difference between physical injuries and assault-related offenses, and the issues that often cause cases to fail.

II. What “Physical Injuries” and “Assault” Mean in Philippine Law

A. “Physical Injuries” under the Revised Penal Code

In Philippine criminal law, “physical injuries” is not just a general phrase. It is a set of specific offenses under the Revised Penal Code referring to bodily harm inflicted on another person, where the victim survives. The law classifies the offense according to the gravity of the injury and its effects.

Common categories include:

Serious physical injuries
Less serious physical injuries
Slight physical injuries

The prosecution must prove not only that the victim was hurt, but also the extent of the injury, often through a medical certificate or medico-legal report.

B. “Assault” in Philippine usage

In everyday speech, people often use the word assault to mean a physical attack. In Philippine legal usage, however, that word can refer to different things:

a general physical attack that may actually be charged as physical injuries, attempted/frustrated homicide, or slight physical injuries;
Direct assault, which is a specific offense when force or intimidation is used against a person in authority or the person’s agent while in the performance of official duties or because of those duties;
in some contexts, a violent attack may also involve grave threats, grave coercion, unjust vexation, slander by deed, or other related offenses.

So when someone says, “I want to file an assault case,” the legal question is: What exact crime do the facts establish?

III. The First Legal Question: What Crime Was Actually Committed?

Before filing, identify the likely offense. The label matters because it affects:

where to file,
whether barangay conciliation is required,
whether preliminary investigation is available,
the evidence needed,
the penalty,
prescription, and
the strategy of the prosecution.

IV. Common Criminal Charges Arising from a Physical Attack

1. Slight Physical Injuries

This generally covers minor injuries that heal quickly or incapacitate the victim only for a short period, as well as certain forms of physical ill-treatment that do not produce serious consequences.

These are often the most commonly filed cases after fistfights, slapping, punching, scratching, pushing, or brief beatings, especially when the injuries are minor.

2. Less Serious Physical Injuries

This applies when the injuries are more substantial than slight physical injuries, usually measured by the period of medical treatment or incapacity for work, as shown in medical evidence.

3. Serious Physical Injuries

This covers graver injuries, such as:

loss of speech, hearing, smell, sight, or use of a body part;
deformity;
insanity or imbecility;
loss of the ability to work;
prolonged illness or incapacity;
injuries requiring long treatment or causing permanent consequences.

4. Frustrated or Attempted Homicide / Murder

Not every beating should be charged merely as physical injuries. If the attack shows intent to kill, the correct offense may be:

Attempted homicide or attempted murder, if the attack began but did not inflict fatal injuries;
Frustrated homicide or frustrated murder, if the offender performed all acts of execution that would have caused death were it not for timely medical intervention or causes independent of the offender’s will.

This is a critical distinction. A victim with stab wounds, repeated blows to the head, strangulation, or an attack using deadly weapons should not assume the case is merely for physical injuries.

5. Direct Assault

A separate offense exists when a person attacks, employs force, or seriously intimidates a person in authority or that person’s agent while such official is performing official duties or because of those duties. Teachers, judges, barangay officials, police officers, and similar officers may fall within the doctrine depending on the circumstances and jurisprudence.

If a public officer is attacked during duty, the case may be direct assault, possibly with physical injuries.

6. Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC)

If the victim is a woman or child and the offender is a spouse, former spouse, dating partner, former dating partner, co-parent, or a person in a covered relationship, the proper case may fall under Republic Act No. 9262, not merely physical injuries under the Revised Penal Code.

In domestic or intimate-partner violence, do not assume the case should be filed only as physical injuries. A VAWC complaint may provide a broader and more accurate legal remedy.

7. Child Abuse

If the victim is a child, liability may also arise under special child-protection laws, depending on the facts.

8. Other Related Offenses

A single violent episode may support multiple charges, such as:

grave threats
grave coercion
illegal detention
robbery with violence
malicious mischief
unlawful possession of weapon
alarm and scandal
discharge of firearm
attempted rape or acts of lasciviousness, if the facts include sexual violence

The prosecutor determines the proper charge based on the affidavits and evidence.

V. The Most Important Immediate Steps After the Incident

A criminal case for physical injuries often succeeds or fails in the first 24 hours.

1. Get medical attention immediately

This is both a health necessity and a legal necessity. Ask for:

medical certificate
emergency room records
doctor’s notes
diagnostic results
hospital abstract
photographs of injuries
if possible, a medico-legal examination

If the injuries are visible, photograph them:

immediately,
a few hours later,
the next day,
and during healing, especially if bruises darken or swelling worsens.

2. Report the incident to the police

Go to the nearest police station to make a report and request blotter entry. A police report is not always conclusive evidence, but it helps establish:

date and time of the incident,
identities of the parties,
initial narration,
possible witnesses,
and the fact that the incident was promptly reported.

3. Preserve all evidence

Keep:

clothes worn during the incident,
broken objects,
CCTV footage,
screenshots of threats,
call logs,
messages,
social media posts,
names and numbers of witnesses,
location data,
and receipts for medical expenses.

4. Do not rely only on verbal apologies or informal settlement promises

Many cases collapse because the victim delays filing while waiting for payment, apology, or family mediation. Delay can weaken evidence, complicate medical proof, and affect witness memory.

VI. Evidence You Need to File and Prove the Case

A criminal complaint for physical injuries or assault-related offenses is evidence-driven. The strongest cases usually have both documentary and testimonial proof.

VII. Core Evidence Checklist

A. Victim’s sworn statement

This is usually the Complaint-Affidavit. It should state clearly:

who attacked you;
where and when it happened;
how the assault began;
what words were said, if relevant;
what weapons or objects were used;
what injuries you suffered;
what medical treatment you received;
who witnessed the attack;
and what happened afterward.

A weak affidavit is one of the most common reasons cases are dismissed.

B. Medical evidence

This is often the backbone of a physical injuries case.

Useful documents include:

medical certificate;
medico-legal certificate;
hospital records;
x-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, lab results;
photos of injuries;
psychological or psychiatric report, if trauma is relevant.

The medical document should ideally mention:

nature of the injuries,
location on the body,
probable cause,
treatment given,
and period of incapacitation or healing.

C. Witness affidavits

Witnesses may include:

bystanders,
family members,
co-workers,
responding officers,
barangay officials,
doctors,
and CCTV custodians.

Witness affidavits should be consistent, specific, and based on personal knowledge.

D. Photographs and videos

Time-stamped photos and CCTV footage can powerfully corroborate the attack. Secure copies as early as possible because surveillance footage is often overwritten.

E. Physical objects

These may include:

weapon used,
torn clothing,
bloodied items,
broken phone,
shattered eyeglasses,
damaged helmet or vehicle parts.

F. Digital evidence

Threats sent before or after the attack may help prove:

motive,
identity,
intent,
intimidation,
or efforts to suppress the complaint.

VIII. Where to File the Case

The proper filing route depends on the circumstances.

1. If the offender was lawfully arrested without a warrant

If the suspect was arrested in flagrante delicto or under another valid ground for warrantless arrest, the case may proceed through inquest proceedings before the prosecutor.

This typically happens when:

the police see the assault happen,
the suspect is caught immediately after the attack under lawful circumstances,
or the case otherwise falls under warrantless arrest rules.

In an inquest, the prosecutor determines whether the arrest was lawful and whether charges should be filed in court without the usual preliminary investigation at that stage.

2. If there was no warrantless arrest

The usual route is to file a criminal complaint with the Office of the City Prosecutor or Provincial Prosecutor having jurisdiction over the place where the crime was committed.

3. In some minor cases, filing may begin in court or through summary procedures

For less grave offenses, procedure differs because not all criminal complaints require a full preliminary investigation.

The governing distinction is whether the offense carries a penalty that requires preliminary investigation.

IX. Jurisdiction and Venue

A criminal complaint is generally filed in the place where the crime occurred. This is a jurisdictional matter.

If the attack happened in Quezon City, the complaint is ordinarily filed in Quezon City, not where the victim lives, unless a special law provides otherwise.

Venue problems can result in dismissal or refiling.

X. Is Barangay Conciliation Required First?

This is one of the most misunderstood parts of filing a case in the Philippines.

Under the Katarungang Pambarangay system, certain disputes between parties residing in the same city or municipality must first go through barangay conciliation before a case is filed in court or before the prosecutor.

But barangay conciliation is not always required.

Barangay conciliation may be required when:

the parties are private individuals;
they live in the same city or municipality, subject to the law’s coverage rules;
the case is one that is subject to amicable settlement under barangay law.

Barangay conciliation is generally not required in certain situations, such as:

where one party is the government or a public officer acting in official capacity;
where the offense carries a penalty beyond the scope of barangay settlement;
where urgent legal action is necessary;
where the parties live in different cities or municipalities under circumstances outside barangay jurisdiction;
where there is no personal confrontation possible under the law’s exceptions;
or where special laws and urgent protective mechanisms apply, such as VAWC situations.

If barangay conciliation is required and you skip it, the complaint may be dismissed for failure to comply with a condition precedent.

Practical rule

Before filing, determine whether you need a Certificate to File Action from the barangay. If you are unsure, ask the prosecutor’s office, PAO, IBP legal aid, or the barangay itself.

XI. Preliminary Investigation: When It Applies

A preliminary investigation is required for offenses where the prescribed penalty is at least four years, two months, and one day, regardless of fine.

This matters because:

graver injury cases may require it;
minor cases may not;
the procedural route differs.

If preliminary investigation is required

The prosecutor evaluates:

complaint-affidavit,
supporting affidavits,
medical documents,
counter-affidavit of respondent,
and other evidence.

The issue is not guilt beyond reasonable doubt, but whether there is probable cause to hold the respondent for trial.

If preliminary investigation is not required

The complaint may proceed through a different route under the Rules of Criminal Procedure, often involving filing directly with the appropriate trial court after prosecutor screening or according to local prosecutorial practice.

XII. Step-by-Step Process for Filing a Criminal Complaint

Step 1: Gather your evidence

Prepare:

valid ID;
complaint-affidavit;
witness affidavits;
police blotter or incident report, if available;
medical certificate and records;
photos and videos;
proof of expenses;
barangay documents, if required;
other supporting documents.

Step 2: Draft the Complaint-Affidavit

Your complaint-affidavit should be:

chronological,
factual,
specific,
signed,
and notarized or sworn before the authorized officer.

Avoid exaggerated statements. State facts, not conclusions. Instead of saying “He committed frustrated murder,” describe what he did: “He stabbed me in the neck with a kitchen knife and said he would kill me.”

Step 3: Attach supporting documents

Label and organize all annexes. Common annexes include:

Annex “A” – Medical Certificate
Annex “B” – Photos of injuries
Annex “C” – Police Blotter
Annex “D” – Witness Affidavit of Juan Dela Cruz
Annex “E” – CCTV copy or certification

Step 4: Go to the proper office

Usually this is the Office of the City Prosecutor or Provincial Prosecutor where the incident happened.

Some offices have intake desks, complaint forms, or e-filing rules. Others require multiple copies.

Step 5: Pay filing fees if applicable

In criminal complaints, filing costs may vary depending on the office and whether civil damages are claimed. Indigent complainants may seek assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office if qualified.

Step 6: Swear to the complaint

The complaint-affidavit and witness affidavits must be subscribed and sworn to before the proper officer.

Step 7: Wait for the subpoena or counter-affidavit phase

If the complaint is sufficient in form and substance, the prosecutor issues subpoena to the respondent, requiring a counter-affidavit and supporting evidence.

Step 8: Respond to defenses if allowed or required

The prosecutor may allow reply-affidavits or clarificatory hearings.

Step 9: Resolution by the prosecutor

The prosecutor may:

dismiss the complaint for lack of probable cause;
find probable cause and file an Information in court;
direct the filing of a different charge than what the complainant originally alleged.

Step 10: Court proceedings begin

Once an Information is filed, the case is no longer merely at the complaint stage. The court acquires jurisdiction over the criminal action according to law and procedure.

XIII. What the Complaint-Affidavit Should Contain

A strong complaint-affidavit should answer these:

Who attacked you?
How do you know the attacker?
When did it happen?
Where exactly did it happen?
What happened immediately before, during, and after?
What object or weapon was used?
What injuries did you suffer?
What treatment did you receive?
Who saw the incident?
What evidence supports your narration?
Why are you identifying this respondent?

Good practice points

State the exact body parts injured.
Mention the number of blows, punches, or strikes if known.
Mention threats like “Papatayin kita” if they were said.
Mention intoxication only if relevant.
Mention CCTV, nearby establishments, or responding police.
Mention if the offender fled.
Mention if the offender is a public officer or if the victim is one.
Mention if there is a domestic relationship relevant to VAWC.

XIV. What Happens If the Police Refuse to Act?

Police reluctance does not end the matter. A complainant may still proceed by filing directly before the prosecutor.

The police can assist with:

report-taking,
arrest in proper cases,
investigation,
referral for medico-legal,
evidence gathering.

But the actual criminal complaint may be pursued through the prosecutor even if police action was minimal.

If a police officer refuses to receive a report or act appropriately, document the refusal and elevate the matter to:

the station commander,
higher police authorities,
the prosecutor,
or legal aid counsel.

XV. Inquest vs. Regular Preliminary Investigation

Inquest

Used when the respondent was lawfully arrested without a warrant. This is urgent and immediate. The prosecutor determines whether to file the case in court.

Regular preliminary investigation

Used when the respondent is not under valid warrantless arrest. The complaint is filed, affidavits are exchanged, and the prosecutor resolves probable cause.

This distinction affects detention, bail issues, and timing.

XVI. How the Prosecutor Decides the Proper Charge

The prosecutor is not bound by the title the complainant uses. Even if the complaint says “assault,” the prosecutor may determine that the facts establish:

slight physical injuries,
less serious physical injuries,
serious physical injuries,
attempted homicide,
frustrated homicide,
direct assault,
VAWC,
child abuse,
or another offense.

The prosecutor evaluates:

nature of injuries
means used
location of injuries
intent to kill
victim-offender relationship
status of victim
surrounding circumstances
credibility of evidence

XVII. Medical Proof: Why It Is So Important

In physical injuries cases, the medical record often determines the legal classification of the offense.

The law distinguishes between injury levels partly through:

incapacity for labor,
period of healing or medical attendance,
and permanent or serious consequences.

Because of this, an incomplete or vague medical certificate can seriously weaken the case.

Best practice

Obtain a medical document that clearly states:

findings on examination,
diagnosis,
estimated period of healing,
estimated incapacity,
treatment needed,
and whether there is possible deformity, fracture, concussion, or organ damage.

A medico-legal officer can be particularly helpful in cases likely to become contested.

XVIII. When a Physical Injury Case Should Really Be a Homicide-Type Case

A common mistake is undercharging a violent attack.

Indicators of intent to kill may include:

repeated stabbing;
use of deadly weapons against vital organs;
choking or strangulation;
repeated head blows with hard objects;
pursuit of a fleeing victim;
statements such as “I will kill you”;
leaving the victim for dead;
severity and placement of wounds.

In such cases, the proper charge may be attempted or frustrated homicide or murder, not just physical injuries.

This is crucial because the penalty, procedure, and gravity of the case differ significantly.

XIX. Direct Assault: A Special Form of “Assault”

If the attack is against a person in authority or that person’s agent while performing official duties or because of such duties, the case may be direct assault.

Examples can include attacks on:

police officers during lawful duty,
barangay officials performing official acts,
teachers in protected contexts,
judges or prosecutors in relation to duty.

The exact classification depends on the facts and jurisprudence. Physical injuries may be absorbed into or charged together with direct assault depending on the situation.

XX. Civil Damages in a Criminal Case

A criminal case generally carries with it the civil action for damages unless the civil action is reserved, waived, or previously instituted separately, subject to the Rules of Court.

A victim may claim:

actual damages for medical bills, medicines, therapy, lost property;
temperate damages where actual losses exist but are not fully documented;
moral damages for physical suffering, mental anguish, fright, serious anxiety, and similar injury;
exemplary damages in proper cases;
loss of earning capacity, if sufficiently proven in serious cases.

Keep receipts, prescriptions, billing statements, and proof of income loss.

XXI. Settlement, Desistance, and Forgiveness

Many complainants think a criminal case automatically ends once they forgive the offender or sign an affidavit of desistance. That is not always true.

Key point

A criminal offense is considered an offense against the State, not only against the individual victim. So:

private forgiveness does not automatically erase criminal liability;
an affidavit of desistance does not automatically dismiss the case;
once the Information is filed in court, dismissal is no longer solely in the complainant’s hands.

However, in practice, desistance may affect the strength of the prosecution, especially in cases that rely heavily on the victim’s testimony.

In some cases involving private complainants and compromise-sensitive contexts, settlement may influence the case, but it does not automatically extinguish criminal liability unless the law specifically allows it.

XXII. What If the Respondent Files a Counter-Case?

This is common in fights and neighbor disputes. The other side may file:

physical injuries,
grave threats,
slander,
malicious mischief,
or a fabricated counter-complaint.

Best response

keep your affidavit accurate and restrained;
preserve evidence of who started the attack;
show defensive injuries, if any;
present neutral witnesses and CCTV;
disclose all relevant facts to counsel.

If you acted purely in self-defense, that will be a legal issue. But self-defense is an affirmative defense usually raised by the respondent who admits the act but claims justification.

XXIII. Defenses Commonly Raised by Respondents

A respondent may argue:

denial
alibi
self-defense
accident
fabrication
lack of intent
no serious injury
wrong identity
mutual affray
insufficient medical proof
lack of jurisdiction
absence of barangay conciliation
delay in reporting
inconsistent affidavits

A complainant should anticipate these defenses when preparing the case.

XXIV. Prescription: Do Not Delay

Criminal offenses prescribe after certain periods depending on the penalty attached. Minor injuries may prescribe much faster than grave felonies.

That means a victim should not delay in filing. Delay can create two risks:

Prescription, which can bar prosecution; and
Loss of evidence, especially bruising patterns, CCTV footage, and witness recall.

Because prescription depends on the exact offense charged, prompt filing is the safest course.

XXV. Do You Need a Lawyer to File?

A private lawyer is not strictly required in all cases, but legal assistance is often extremely helpful, especially where the injury is serious, the facts are disputed, or the correct charge may be more serious than simple physical injuries.

Possible sources of legal help

Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), if qualified
Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) legal aid
prosecutor’s office assistance desks
accredited legal aid clinics

A lawyer can help with:

drafting affidavits,
identifying the correct charge,
preserving admissible evidence,
opposing motions to dismiss,
and pursuing damages.

XXVI. Special Situations

A. If the offender is a spouse, partner, or ex-partner

Consider whether the proper charge is under VAWC, not merely physical injuries.

B. If the victim is a child

Consider child-protection laws and mandatory reporting implications.

C. If the attack occurred in school, workplace, or government office

There may be parallel administrative and civil remedies in addition to the criminal case.

D. If a weapon was used

Weapon use can affect the classification of the offense, intent, aggravating circumstances, and related charges.

E. If the victim died later

The offense may no longer be physical injuries. It may become homicide or murder, depending on the circumstances.

XXVII. Common Mistakes That Ruin Cases

These are among the most common reasons criminal complaints fail:

No medical certificate
Late medical examination
Weak or exaggerated affidavit
No witness affidavits
Failure to preserve CCTV
Wrong venue
Skipping barangay conciliation when required
Using the wrong charge
Relying only on police blotter
Affidavit inconsistent with medical findings
Deleting threatening messages
Accepting informal settlement without documentation
Filing too late
Failing to appear when required by prosecutor or court

A police blotter alone usually does not prove the case. It helps, but it is not a substitute for medical and testimonial evidence.

XXVIII. Practical Filing Blueprint

For a victim who wants the most practical path, this is the safest sequence:

Immediately after the attack

Go to a hospital or doctor.
Request medical and medico-legal documentation.
Photograph all injuries.
Save messages, call logs, CCTV, and witness details.
Report to the police.

Within the next day or two

Determine whether barangay conciliation is required.
Prepare complaint-affidavit and witness affidavits.
Organize annexes and expenses.

Then file

File before the proper Prosecutor’s Office if no warrantless arrest occurred.
If the suspect was validly arrested without warrant, the matter may proceed by inquest.

After filing

Monitor subpoena issuance.
Attend hearings or clarificatory conferences.
Respond carefully to counter-allegations.
Keep updating medical records if treatment continues.

XXIX. Sample Structure of a Complaint-Affidavit

A complaint-affidavit for physical injuries or assault usually follows this structure:

Caption
Name and personal circumstances of complainant
Name and personal circumstances of respondent
Statement that complainant is executing the affidavit
Narration of facts
Description of injuries
Medical treatment received
Evidence and witnesses
Statement identifying annexes
Prayer requesting appropriate charges
Verification and certification under oath

The prayer can be worded broadly enough to ask that the respondent be charged with the offense shown by the evidence, rather than insisting on a legally inaccurate label.

XXX. What Standard Must the Prosecutor Apply?

The prosecutor does not decide guilt beyond reasonable doubt at the complaint stage. The standard is probable cause.

That means the prosecutor asks whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that:

a crime was committed, and
the respondent is probably guilty thereof and should be tried.

So the complainant’s goal at this stage is not to prove the entire case as at final trial, but to present enough competent evidence to justify filing the Information in court.

XXXI. What Happens After the Information Is Filed in Court?

Once the prosecutor files the Information, the court process begins. The next stages may include:

determination of probable cause by the judge for issuance of warrant, if needed;
arraignment;
pre-trial;
trial;
presentation of prosecution evidence;
demurrer issues, if any;
defense evidence;
judgment;
and award of damages, if warranted.

If the offense is bailable, the accused may post bail according to the Rules of Court.

XXXII. Standard of Proof at Trial

At trial, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. That is much higher than probable cause.

This is why early documentation is so important. The same case that looks strong at filing can fail at trial if the complainant has:

no reliable medical basis,
inconsistent testimony,
no proof of identity,
no credible witness support,
or poor chain of evidence.

XXXIII. Can You File Both Criminal and Civil or Administrative Cases?

Yes, depending on the facts.

A physical attack may give rise to:

criminal liability;
civil liability for damages;
administrative liability, if the offender is a public official, employee, teacher, or professional under a regulatory body;
workplace discipline, school discipline, or protective orders in proper cases.

These remedies can coexist, although each has its own rules.

XXXIV. If the Accused Is a Public Officer or the Victim Is One

If the offender is a public officer, there may be additional administrative remedies. If the victim is a public officer or person in authority attacked in relation to duty, the offense may be direct assault or a related public order offense, apart from the injury itself.

The official status of either party can significantly affect the case theory.

XXXV. Key Legal Concepts to Keep Straight

Physical injuries vs. attempted/frustrated homicide

The line is often intent to kill.

Ordinary attack vs. direct assault

The line is often whether the victim is a person in authority or agent attacked in relation to official duty.

Simple injury case vs. VAWC or child abuse

The line is often the relationship of the parties and the status of the victim.

Police report vs. evidence

A blotter helps, but it is not enough by itself.

Affidavit of desistance vs. dismissal

Desistance does not automatically terminate criminal liability.

Complaint stage vs. trial

The prosecutor looks for probable cause; the court later requires proof beyond reasonable doubt.

XXXVI. A Practical Conclusion

To file a criminal case for physical injuries or assault in the Philippines, a complainant must do more than simply report being attacked. The complainant must identify the correct offense, preserve medical and testimonial evidence, comply with barangay conciliation if required, and file before the proper prosecutor or court following the Rules of Criminal Procedure.

The essential roadmap is this:

Get treated and documented medically at once.
Report the incident and preserve all evidence.
Determine the proper charge—physical injuries, attempted/frustrated homicide, direct assault, VAWC, or another offense.
Check if barangay conciliation is required.
Prepare a strong complaint-affidavit with annexes.
File with the proper prosecutor’s office or proceed through inquest if there was a valid warrantless arrest.
Pursue the case consistently, including damages, appearances, and documentary updates.

In Philippine criminal practice, the strongest injury cases are usually the ones that are filed early, documented medically, narrated clearly, and charged correctly.