How to Report a Stolen Phone and Request IMEI Blocking with the NTC in the Philippines

How to Report a Stolen Phone and Request IMEI Blocking with the NTC (Philippines)

Key takeaways (read this first)

  • Act fast. Lock and wipe the device remotely, then deactivate your SIM with your carrier and file a police report the same day.
  • IMEI blocking renders the handset unusable on mobile networks. It’s different from SIM blocking, which only disables your number.
  • You typically make two requests: (1) to your mobile carrier (Globe/Smart/DITO or MVNO) and (2) to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) so your phone’s IMEI is blacklisted across Philippine networks.
  • Prepare proof of ownership and identity, plus a police blotter and a notarized affidavit. Dual-SIM phones have two IMEIs—block both.
  • If the phone is recovered, you can request unblocking with proof of recovery.

1) The legal and regulatory backdrop

  • NTC mandate. The National Telecommunications Commission regulates public telecommunications and oversees measures to curb handset theft, including IMEI blacklisting (disabling stolen devices on participating networks).
  • SIM Registration Act (R.A. 11934, 2022). Requires users to register SIMs and to immediately report a lost or stolen SIM so the carrier can deactivate it and, upon proper request, assist with device/IMEI blocking and SIM replacement.
  • Law-enforcement reports. Theft/robbery are crimes under the Revised Penal Code. A police blotter/incident report is standard supporting evidence for blocking requests and for downstream issues (insurance, e-wallet fraud).
  • Data privacy & cybercrime. Misuse of a stolen phone to access your accounts may implicate the Data Privacy Act (R.A. 10173) and Cybercrime Prevention Act (R.A. 10175). Report unauthorized transactions to providers immediately (see Section 9).

Practical point: Exact filing mechanics (which desk, which email portal) can vary by NTC regional office and by carrier policy. The document set and sequence below reflects what is commonly required nationwide.

2) IMEI vs SIM: what gets blocked, and why it matters

  • IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is the handset’s unique identifier. IMEI blocking aims to keep a stolen device from connecting to cellular networks in the Philippines, even with another SIM.
  • SIM blocking/suspension disables your number (calls/SMS/data). It does not disable the handset.
  • Remote lock/wipe (Apple “Find My”, Android “Find My Device”, OEM accounts) protects your data. It does not place the IMEI on a carrier/NTC blacklist.

Reality check: IMEI blocking is highly effective domestically, but cannot guarantee the device won’t work abroad or if criminals illicitly alter the IMEI. That’s why you should combine remote lock/wipe + SIM deactivation + IMEI blocking + password resets.

3) What you’ll need (document checklist)

Prepare clear scans/photocopies and bring originals when filing in person.

  1. Valid government ID (with signature).

  2. Proof of ownership of the phone – any one (more is better):

    • Official receipt/invoice, box showing the IMEI label, postpaid plan agreement, warranty card, delivery email from an authorized seller, or a prior service receipt stating the IMEI.

  3. IMEI number(s):

    • Found on the box, original receipt, device settings, or your manufacturer account. Dual-SIM phones have two IMEIs—list both.

  4. Police report/blotter:

    • Contains date/time/location of loss/theft and device details (brand/model/color/IMEI if available).

  5. Notarized Affidavit of Loss/Theft:

    • See the sample template in Section 11. For corporate phones, use a company-executed sworn statement on letterhead.

  6. Carrier account details:

    • Mobile number(s) used in the device, SIM type (prepaid/postpaid/eSIM), and account name if postpaid/corporate.

  7. Your request letter to NTC (and, separately, to your carrier) asking to block the IMEI. See sample in Section 11.

(Optional but helpful) Photos of the device, proof of prior ownership (e.g., Apple/Google/Samsung account device listing), and any reference numbers if you already called your carrier.

4) The step-by-step process (with suggested timing)

Within the first hour

  1. Remote-lock and locate the device; trigger a remote wipe if you’re sure it won’t be recovered quickly.
  2. Change passwords for email, social media, banking/e-wallets. Enable account revocation (sign out other sessions) where available.
  3. Call your carrier to suspend the SIM immediately. Ask for a reference number and note the agent’s name/time.

Same day (or next business day)

  1. File a police blotter at the nearest precinct to the incident (or your residence if needed). Request a certified copy.

  2. Prepare and notarize your Affidavit of Loss/Theft (Section 11).

  3. Request IMEI blocking from your carrier (Globe/Smart/DITO or MVNO):

    • Provide the IMEI(s), your ID, proof of ownership, police blotter, and affidavit.
    • Ask for written or email confirmation that the IMEI block request has been lodged and will be cascaded to network blacklists.

  4. File with the NTC (regional office or consumer-assistance channel):

    • Submit your request letter, ID, proof of ownership, police blotter, and notarized affidavit, with IMEI(s) clearly listed.
    • Ask that the IMEI be blacklisted across all participating networks and request a control/reference number.

After filing

  1. Follow up with both your carrier and the NTC using the reference numbers until you receive confirmation the IMEI is on the blacklist.
  2. Keep a paper trail: stamped copies, email acknowledgments, and the names/titles of personnel you dealt with.

5) Special notes for eSIM, dual-SIM, and corporate lines

  • Dual-SIM: Provide both IMEI1 and IMEI2. Ask that both be blocked.
  • eSIM: Ask the carrier to revoke the eSIM profile and suspend the line immediately. If you later get a replacement device, request eSIM re-provisioning.
  • Corporate/postpaid accounts: The authorized company signatory should file the request (or issue a written authorization). Attach company ID, Secretary’s Certificate (if needed), and company letterhead for affidavits/requests.

6) If the phone is recovered: unblocking

To remove an IMEI from the blacklist:

  1. Prepare a Request to Unblock IMEI addressed to the NTC and your carrier.

  2. Attach:

    • Valid ID and proof of ownership,
    • Proof of recovery (e.g., police certification releasing the item, acknowledgment receipt, or court order),
    • A Notarized Affidavit of Recovery stating circumstances and confirming you are the lawful owner.

  3. Ask for written confirmation when the IMEI has been removed from the blacklist and restored.

7) Typical questions (clear answers)

  • Can the NTC or a carrier “track” my phone? Not for private requests. Location tracking for criminal investigation must go through law enforcement and due process. Your personal tools (Apple/Android OEM) are your immediate options.

  • Will IMEI blocking erase my data? No. It only prevents network use. Use remote wipe to protect your data.

  • Does IMEI blocking work on all networks? The intent is to blacklist on participating Philippine networks. Always request that the IMEI be cascaded across operators and keep proof of the request. International blocking isn’t guaranteed.

  • What if I find the device after blocking? You must request unblocking (Section 6). Expect to show proof of recovery.

  • I don’t have the receipt or box. What now? Submit any alternative proof (postpaid contract, service receipt, screenshots of the device listed in your OEM account, photos of the phone with your SIM, etc.) plus a detailed, notarized affidavit. Acceptance is discretionary—be thorough.

8) Practical timelines and expectations

  • SIM suspension: Usually same-day once you authenticate with your carrier.
  • IMEI blocking: Processing can take several business days depending on documentation and coordination between offices. Obtain reference numbers and follow up until written confirmation is issued.
  • Unblocking: Also a formal process; plan for document review time.

(Avoid paying “fixers.”) All filings should be through official carrier channels or NTC offices.

9) Don’t forget your financial and identity safety

  1. Freeze/lock e-wallets and banking apps (GCash, Maya, bank apps); enable transaction alerts.
  2. Inform banks of compromised device under the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (R.A. 11765) framework; ask about dispute/freeze procedures.
  3. Revoke app sessions (email, social media, messaging) and rotate passwords; enable multi-factor authentication on a safe device.

10) Who to contact (typical sequence)

  1. Your mobile carrier (to suspend SIM and lodge an IMEI block request). Keep the ticket/reference number.
  2. Police (nearest precinct or where the incident happened) for the blotter/incident report.
  3. NTC (your regional office or consumer assistance desk) to formally request IMEI blacklisting and get an NTC reference/control number.
  4. PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (if accounts were compromised) and banks/e-money issuers (for unauthorized transactions).

(Contact particulars change periodically; use official, published channels of your carrier and the NTC regional office that covers your area.)

11) Ready-to-use templates

A) Request Letter to Block IMEI (individual)

Date: To: National Telecommunications Commission — [Region/Office] Subject: Request to Blacklist IMEI of Stolen Mobile Phone

I, [Full Name], Filipino, of legal age, with address at [Address], respectfully request the blacklisting/IMEI blocking of my stolen handset with the following details:

  • Brand/Model/Color:
  • IMEI 1:
  • IMEI 2: (if dual-SIM)
  • Mobile number(s) used in the device:
  • Date/Place of loss/theft:

Attached are copies of my valid ID, proof of ownership (receipt/box/contract), police blotter/incident report, and Notarized Affidavit of Loss/Theft.

I also request that this IMEI be cascaded to all participating mobile networks in the Philippines.

I can be reached at [phone/email]. Thank you.

[Signature over Printed Name]

B) Affidavit of Loss/Theft (outline)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) [CITY/PROVINCE] ) S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS/THEFT I, [Full Name], Filipino, of legal age, with address at [Address], after having been duly sworn, depose and state:

  1. I am the lawful owner/authorized user of a [Brand/Model/Color] mobile phone with IMEI 1 [____] and IMEI 2 [____] (if applicable).
  2. On [Date] at around [Time] in [Location], the said phone was [lost/stolen/robbed] under the following circumstances: [brief narration].
  3. I executed a police blotter/incident report on [Date] at [Station], copy attached.
  4. I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the loss/theft, to support my request to block/blacklist the above IMEI(s), and for any legal purpose it may serve. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [Date] in [City], Philippines.

[Signature over Printed Name] Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this [Date] at [City], affiant exhibiting [ID Type/Number]. NOTARY PUBLIC

(For corporate-owned devices, adapt the affiant to a company officer and attach corporate proofs/authority.)

12) Practical tips that make approvals smoother

  • Clarity helps: Put the IMEI(s) in bold on your letters and in the email subject line if submitting electronically.
  • One file, one name: Combine all pages into one PDF (ID, proof, blotter, affidavit, request letter) named IMEI-<number>-<YourName>.pdf.
  • Keep originals: NTC/carriers may ask to see originals even if you submitted scans.
  • Avoid errors: A wrong IMEI could blacklist someone else’s phone or stall your request. Cross-check digits carefully.
  • Follow up politely: Quote both your carrier ticket and NTC reference number in every follow-up.

13) Quick recovery & prevention checklist

  • Mark the device lost in your Apple/Google/OEM account (and keep it marked even after wipe).
  • Enable SIM/eSIM PIN on your replacement device.
  • Use screen lock + biometric; keep Find My features on.
  • Keep a secure copy of your IMEI(s), serial number, and receipt outside the phone.
  • Be cautious buying second-hand phones; insist on a clean bill of sale and check the IMEI status with official channels.

Final word

In the Philippines, you’ll typically get the best outcome by doing all four: remote lock/wipe, SIM suspension, IMEI blacklisting (carrier + NTC), and account hardening (password/MFA resets). Keep your documents tight, ask for written confirmations, and log every reference number.

Disclaimer: This content is not legal advice and may involve AI assistance. Information may be inaccurate.

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