Mobile text harassment—commonly referred to as text bullying, SMS harassment, spam threats, sextortion via text, or persistent unwanted messaging—is a serious form of digital abuse recognized under several Philippine laws. Victims frequently experience fear, anxiety, reputational damage, or financial extortion through repeated, threatening, obscene, or malicious text messages.
Key Laws That Criminalize Text-Based Harassment
The principal statutes that apply to mobile text harassment include:
| Law | Full Title | Main Relevant Provisions | Typical Penalty (Imprisonment + Fine) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic Act No. 10175 | Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 | Sec. 4(a)(4) – Computer-related identity theft (if using spoofed/similar number) Sec. 4(c)(4) – Online libel (if public circulation or reputational harm) Sec. 4(c)(1) – Cyber-squatting / misuse (less common) Sec. 6 – Aggravating when committed through ICT |
Prision mayor (6y1d–12y) + fine ≥₱200,000 (most common applied sections) |
| Republic Act No. 9995 | Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 | Taking, reproducing, sharing intimate images without consent (frequently combined with threatening texts) | 3–7 years + ₱100,000–₱500,000 |
| Republic Act No. 9262 | Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 | Sec. 5 – Psychological violence, including text threats, persistent messaging causing mental or emotional suffering (most used when perpetrator is husband, live-in partner, former partner, or person with whom victim has/had sexual/dating relationship) | Prision correccional (6m–6y) or higher depending on circumstances + fine |
| Republic Act No. 11313 | Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) | Sec. 4 – Gender-based sexual harassment in cyberspace (unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, lewd remarks, obscene texts, persistent unwanted messages of sexual nature via SMS/messaging apps) | 1–6 months imprisonment or fine ₱10,000–₱100,000 (first offense); higher for repeat |
| Revised Penal Code (as amended) | — | Art. 287 – Light threats Art. 282 – Grave threats (“I will kill you”, “I will harm your family”, etc.) Art. 355 – Threatening to publish libel Art. 364 – Intriguing against honor |
Arresto mayor (1m–6m) or fine (grave threats higher) |
| Republic Act No. 10173 | Data Privacy Act of 2012 | Unauthorized processing / disclosure of personal information via text campaigns | Administrative fines up to ₱5 million + possible criminal liability |
In practice, the most frequently invoked laws for pure text harassment cases are:
- RA 9262 (VAWC) – when there is a relationship
- RA 11313 (Safe Spaces) – for gender-based lewd / sexual texts
- RA 10175 (Cybercrime) – for serious threats, identity spoofing, or messages intended to cause public shame
Step-by-Step: How to Document and Preserve Evidence
Strong evidence is critical because many perpetrators use unregistered SIMs, apps, or temporary numbers.
Do NOT delete anything
- Keep every message (even the most upsetting ones)
- Take screenshots of entire conversations (include date, time, sender number/name, profile picture if applicable)
- Enable timestamp display in your messaging app
Capture metadata
- For SMS/MMS: screenshot the native messaging app (shows carrier timestamp)
- For messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Messenger, Signal): screenshot + export chat if possible
- Note carrier (Globe, Smart, DITO) and whether number is local or international-looking
Record frequency and pattern
- Create a simple chronological log (Excel/Google Sheet):
- Date & exact time
- Sender number
- Full message content
- Your response (if any)
- Emotional/financial impact (e.g., “could not sleep”, “paid ₱5,000 extortion”)
- Create a simple chronological log (Excel/Google Sheet):
Secure backups
- Save screenshots to cloud (Google Drive, iCloud) and external drive
- Use phone backup features
Preserve original SIM
- If possible, keep receiving SIM active and do not change number yet
Where and How to File a Complaint
| Agency | When to Approach | Procedure | Typical Turnaround for Initial Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Police Station | All cases (starting point) | File Affidavit-Complaint + submit evidence | blotter issued same day; referral to investigator |
| PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) | Serious threats, sextortion, SIM spoofing, international numbers | Online complaint via cybercrime.gov.ph or walk-in at ACG offices (Camp Crame) | Faster forensic request |
| National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division | Large-scale harassment, syndicated, or very serious threats | File complaint at NBI main or regional offices | Handles many high-profile sextortion cases |
| Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) | VAWC (RA 9262) or child victim | Must be entertained even at midnight | Can issue Protection Order quickly |
| Barangay (Lupon Tagapamayapa) | Mild cases, desire for mediation first | File complaint at barangay hall | Mediation within 15 days |
| DOJ Prosecutor’s Office | After police investigation or direct filing (rare) | Inquest or regular preliminary investigation | — |
Recommended sequence for most victims (2026 context):
- Go to the nearest police station → file complaint + submit evidence → get ** blotter copy **
- If threat is grave / ongoing / sexual → proceed directly to WCPD (for VAWC/Safe Spaces) or PNP ACG
- Request police assistance to secure a Temporary Protection Order (VAWC) or ask for cyber patrol / SIM trace
Practical Remedies to Stop the Harassment Immediately
While the case is being processed:
- Block the number on your phone
- Report spam to your telco (Globe *808, Smart 211, DITO 09918888888)
- Change privacy settings on social media (private account, limit who can message)
- Use call/text filtering apps (Truecaller, Hiya, carrier built-in spam filter)
- Activate Do Not Disturb + allow only contacts
- Get a new SIM/number (last resort—inform police first so they can note it)
- Avoid replying (especially to extortion messages—replying can encourage them)
Telco Assistance in Harassment Cases
Philippine telcos are required to cooperate under the Cybercrime Prevention Act and NTC rules:
- Globe, Smart, and DITO can provide subscriber information (name, address of SIM registrant) upon police/NBI request (usually 3–10 days)
- They can also deactivate a SIM used for harassment after court order or strong police endorsement
- Victims may request incoming text log from telco (helps prove volume)
Important Warnings
- Do not pay extortion money — paying usually leads to more demands
- Never send intimate photos/videos to stop threats — this almost always worsens the situation
- Anonymous / international numbers are harder but not impossible to trace (many sextortion syndicates still get caught via money trail)
- Children victims → case automatically treated as child abuse under RA 7610 + RA 10175 (heavier penalties)
Text harassment is no longer treated as a “minor” or “private” matter in Philippine courts. Persistent, threatening, obscene, or fear-inducing messages sent through mobile phones can lead to imprisonment and substantial fines under the laws cited above. Prompt reporting, systematic documentation, and use of the proper legal channels remain the most effective ways to stop the abuse and hold perpetrators accountable.