How to File a Missing Person Report in the Philippines (Complete Guide)

Key point up front: There is no 24-hour waiting period in the Philippines. You can and should report a person missing immediately—whether the person is a child or an adult.

1) When is someone “missing”?

A person is “missing” when their whereabouts are unknown and reasonable attempts to contact or locate them have failed. This includes:

Children and vulnerable persons (e.g., elderly, persons with disabilities, serious medical or mental health conditions).
Adults who are unexpectedly out of contact or whose safety is in doubt.
Cases that may involve kidnapping, trafficking, domestic violence, runaway minors, or enforced disappearance (the latter involves State agents and has a special legal framework).

Adults have the right to privacy. If police locate an adult who is safe and does not consent to disclose their location, police may not reveal it to the family—but they can confirm the person is safe.

2) Where to file a missing person report

You can file at any of the following (start with the nearest):

Nearest PNP Police Station – ask for entry in the police blotter and assignment to an Investigator-on-Case (IOC).
- For minors or gender-based concerns, you’ll usually be assisted by the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) in the station.
Barangay Hall – have the incident entered in the barangay blotter (especially useful if the last known location is within the barangay).
Specialized PNP units (usually via the local station/IOC’s referral):
- CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) – complex or organized crime angles.
- AKG (Anti-Kidnapping Group) – if kidnapping/ransom is suspected.
NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) – you may file a complaint/seek assistance in parallel with PNP, particularly for inter-regional or cyber-facets.
If overseas elements exist: coordinate with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) / OWWA and DFA (for missing OFWs or incidents abroad).
Emergency: Call 911 for immediate police response.

You may file even if you are not a relative (e.g., a teacher, neighbor, employer). Bring any proof of identity and your basis for concern.

3) What to bring (or prepare quickly)

Essentials

A recent clear photo (digital + printed if possible).
Full name, nicknames/aliases, date of birth/age, sex, nationality.
Physical description: height, build, complexion, hair/eye color, distinguishing marks (tattoos/scars), dental braces, eyeglasses.
Last known clothing and items (bag, phone, jewelry).
Date/time last seen, exact location, persons last seen with, destination (if stated).
Places frequented (workplace, school, friends, hangouts, churches, gyms, gaming cafés).
Phones/SIM numbers, social media handles, email addresses, vehicle plate numbers, known bank cards/fintech accounts.
Medical/mental health conditions (and medications) relevant to safety.
Any risks: prior threats, domestic violence, stalking, debts, recent disputes, new relationships, travel plans, substance use, gang involvement.

Helpful attachments

Photocopy of the missing person’s valid ID (if available).
CCTV leads: exact addresses and timestamps where cameras may have captured the person (transport terminals, malls, neighbors, building lobbies, roads).
Phone/tech clues: device model/IMEI if known; consent to access shared cloud accounts where lawful.
Documents related to custody (for minors), protection orders, or ongoing cases.

4) Step-by-step: Filing at a PNP station

Go to the nearest station (or call 911 if urgent).
Request immediate entry in the police blotter (free of charge). Note the blotter entry number.
Give a clear timeline and a concise narrative. Provide the prepared data above.
Ask for the Investigator-on-Case (IOC) and their name, rank, mobile/telephone, and case reference number.
Provide the photo and consent for information dissemination.
Discuss immediate actions: radio alerts, BOLO (“be on the lookout”), canvassing known areas, hospital/morgue checks, CCTV requests, interviews.
For minors/vulnerable persons, ensure referral to WCPD and DSWD.
Get a copy of the blotter page or a certified extract (minimal fee) for records and for requests to establishments.

No fees for filing; small fees may apply only for certified copies. Never pay “fixers.”

5) What the police may do next (and what you can request)

Immediate alerting of nearby units and checkpoints.
CCTV retrieval (LGU/establishments) via formal requests.
Hospital/morgue canvass (public and private).
Witness canvass and neighborhood interviews.
Digital leads: With proper legal process, the IOC may request subscriber info, call/SMS metadata, or device location data from telcos/tech platforms.
- The SIM Registration Act requires SIMs to be registered; disclosure of subscriber data still needs lawful orders/requests or consent.
Inter-agency coordination:
- IACAT (anti-trafficking) if exploitation or cross-border movement is suspected.
- PNP NCB-INTERPOL for INTERPOL Yellow Notices (international alerts for missing persons), when criteria are met.
Media and social media advisory with the family’s cooperation.

Keep a case diary of dates, actions taken, and names of officers contacted. Follow up respectfully and regularly with the IOC.

6) Special scenarios

A) Missing child or vulnerable adult

Treated as urgent; no waiting period.
WCPD and DSWD involvement; possible temporary shelter or protective custody if recovered and at risk.
If parental abduction, police will check custody documents; potential Revised Penal Code offenses include Kidnapping and failure to return a minor (Art. 270) and Inducing a minor to abandon home (Art. 271).

B) Suspected kidnapping or ransom

Involve PNP AKG through your station/IOC.
Preserve all communications (calls, texts, chats). Do not pay ransom or engage without law enforcement guidance.

C) Suspected trafficking

Request activation of IACAT protocols; trafficking is punished under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (as amended). Border and seaport alerts may be issued.

D) Domestic violence context

If the missing person fled abuse, they may be in protective custody. Survivors’ safety and privacy take precedence under VAWC and child-protection laws.

E) Overseas Filipino / OFW

File locally and notify DMW/OWWA and the DFA. Share passport details, agency/employer, worksite, last contact, foreign police reports, and foreign address/es.

F) Enforced disappearance (State agents implicated)

Covered by the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012. File with PNP/NBI/CHR and seek urgent remedies (see Habeas Corpus below).

7) Using the courts: Habeas Corpus & urgent remedies

If you believe the person is illegally detained or held by someone (including authorities), you may file a Petition for Habeas Corpus (Rule 102, Rules of Court) before the RTC, Court of Appeals, or Supreme Court to compel production of the person. This is often faster than ordinary complaints when the issue is immediate restraint of liberty.

Other judicial tools:

Protection Orders (e.g., under RA 9262 for intimate partner violence).
Witness/Victim protection if the missing person reappears and faces danger.

Consult a lawyer or the PAO for assistance.

8) Social media & press: do’s and don’ts

Post a clear, recent photo, full name, age, last seen time/place, and contact numbers for the IOC and family liaison.
Pin/update posts as verified information comes in.
Keep comments moderated; ask friends to share exact wording to avoid rumor drift.

Don’t

Publicly accuse specific individuals without evidentiary basis (risk of libel; may compromise the case).
Share the person’s sensitive medical details unless necessary to protect life.
Post info that compromises police operations (e.g., ransom negotiation details, tactical movements).

9) After recovery: what to do

Inform the police/IOC to close or update the case.
If a crime occurred, pursue charges with guidance from the IOC/Prosecutor.
For minors or vulnerable adults, coordinate with DSWD for safety planning.
Consider medical and psychosocial assessment (trauma-informed).
Review digital and physical security (privacy settings, device passwords, safe housing).

10) Long-term legal issues when a person remains missing

These rules are technical—seek legal counsel for your specific situation.

Declaration of Absence (Civil Code): After a statutory period (commonly two years without news, or five years if the absentee left an administrator/representative), interested parties may petition the court for a declaration of absence and appointment of a representative/administrator to manage the absentee’s property and affairs.
Presumption of Death (Civil Code & Family Code)
- General presumption for civil purposes often arises after seven (7) years) of being unheard of.
- Shorter periods apply in specific perilous circumstances (e.g., shipwreck, war).
- Remarriage: Under Family Code Art. 41, a spouse may remarry upon a court declaration of presumptive death after 4 years of well-founded absence, or 2 years in exceptional danger situations (e.g., armed conflict, peril at sea).
- Succession and settlement of estates generally require compliance with presumption rules and court processes.
Banking, SSS/GSIS, insurance: Institutions typically require court orders or letters of administration to access/manage assets of a missing person.

11) Your rights and responsibilities

As a reporter/relative

To file immediately and receive a blotter number and the IOC’s contacts.
To be treated with dignity and without discrimination.
To submit evidence and leads; to request reasonable updates.
To avoid false reporting—knowingly false statements can lead to criminal liability (e.g., perjury, unlawful use of means of publication).

For the missing person

Dignity, privacy, and safety. If an adult is located and chooses not to reconnect, authorities will respect that choice while confirming they are safe.

12) Practical checklists

A) 60-minute quick action list

Call/text the person; check common messaging apps (including archived/filtered folders).
Call 911 if immediate danger is suspected.
Contact close friends, co-workers, neighbors.
Check hospitals/clinics along the last known route.
Gather and duplicate photos, IDs, and last known device info.
Go to the nearest PNP station for blotter entry.

B) Evidence you can gather (legally)

Screenshots of messages/calls; recent posts/stories; ride-hailing receipts; ATM/fintech notifications (from your lawful access).
Names and numbers of last contacts; CCTVs you can identify.
Keep originals; give copies to police.

13) Sample incident narrative (you can adapt)

Date/Time Last Seen: 28 Aug 2025, 6:15 PM Location: Exit gate, Ayala MRT Station, Makati City Description: Juan D. Cruz, male, 24, 5’7”, medium build, fair complexion, short black hair, wearing blue polo shirt, black jeans, white sneakers, black backpack. Last messaged family at 6:20 PM saying “on my way.” Did not arrive home; phone now unreachable. No known health conditions; no history of running away. Frequent places: [list]. We request immediate assistance, CCTV retrieval from [establishments], and hospital checks.

14) Costs & timelines

Filing a report and blotter entry is free.
Certified copies of blotter entries have small documentary fees.
Investigations have no fixed timeline; urgency (minors/vulnerable, danger indicators) accelerates response.

15) When to seek a lawyer

Custody disputes or parental abduction scenarios.
Filing Habeas Corpus, Protection Orders, or criminal complaints.
Managing property/affairs of an absentee or pursuing declaration of absence/presumptive death.

16) Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I need to wait 24 hours? A: No. File immediately.

Q: Can a friend/neighbor file if the family is unavailable? A: Yes. Any concerned citizen can report; bring whatever information you have.

Q: Can I post on Facebook right away? A: Yes, but post accurate, minimal, actionable details and the IOC’s contact. Avoid naming alleged perpetrators publicly.

Q: What if the person is found? A: Inform the IOC to update/close the case. If a crime occurred, pursue charges with police/prosecutors.

Q: Can I withdraw my report? A: You can request closure if the person is found and safe, but police may continue if a crime is involved.

17) Key Philippine laws often implicated (non-exhaustive)

Revised Penal Code (e.g., Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention; Arts. 267-271).
Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (as amended).
Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262).
Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012 (RA 10353).
Data Privacy Act (RA 10173) — governs handling of personal data; has public order/safety bases for lawful processing.
SIM Registration Act (RA 11934) — telco data disclosure requires lawful orders/requests or consent.
Civil Code & Family Code — absence, presumption of death, remarriage rules.
Rules of Court, Rule 102 — Habeas Corpus.

Final notes & disclaimer

This guide is for general information in the Philippine context. It is not legal advice. Procedures can vary by LGU, station, and the investigation’s facts.
If you need help customizing documents (affidavits, timeline, evidence log) or drafting a Habeas Corpus outline, tell me the facts you have and I’ll generate them for you.