Lost Mobile Phone in the Philippines: How to File a Report and Block IMEI with the NTC

Lost Mobile Phone in the Philippines: How to File a Report and Block the IMEI with the NTC

For general information only and not a substitute for legal advice. Procedures and forms may change; always follow the most recent instructions from your carrier and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Executive summary

If your phone is lost or stolen in the Philippines: (1) secure your accounts and SIM, (2) obtain a report (barangay or police) and an affidavit of loss/ownership, (3) ask your mobile carrier to suspend service and blacklist the device’s IMEI, and (4) request NTC-assisted blocking so the device is unusable across networks. Keep reference numbers and copies of everything. If the phone is later recovered, you can apply for unblocking with proof of recovery.

What is an IMEI and why blocking matters

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number uniquely identifying a handset (dual-SIM phones usually have two IMEIs). When an IMEI is blacklisted, compliant networks refuse to authenticate that device, preventing calls, texts, and data—even with a different SIM.

Where to find it (before you lose the device):

  • Dial *#06#
  • Settings → About Phone
  • On the box or purchase receipt (stickers often show IMEIs)
  • In your Apple/Google account device list (may show serial/IMEI)

Legal and regulatory backdrop (Philippine context)

  • NTC authority. Under the Public Telecommunications Policy Act (Republic Act No. 7925) and subsequent NTC rules, the Commission regulates public telecom networks and may require measures against device theft/fraud (including IMEI blacklisting and coordination with carriers).
  • SIM Registration Act (RA 11934). Requires SIM registration and obliges users to update information and report loss/misuse promptly. Reporting helps mitigate misuse of your registered SIM.
  • Data Privacy Act (RA 10173). Carriers/NTC must process your personal data fairly, only for the purpose of verifying ownership and acting on your request.
  • Criminal law. Theft/robbery (Revised Penal Code), fencing (PD 1612), and cybercrime-related offenses (RA 10175) may apply to offenders. Filing false reports or perjured affidavits is itself a crime.

Immediate “golden hour” steps (do these as soon as you realize the loss)

  1. Protect accounts & money

    • Use Find My iPhone / Android Find My Device to lock, log out, and wipe if needed.
    • Change passwords and revoke sessions (email, social, banking, e-wallets, work apps).
    • Contact banks/e-wallets to freeze or monitor accounts and disable tap-to-pay.

  2. Suspend the SIM

    • Call your carrier through another phone (or use online chat) to suspend service immediately. Note the reference number, time, and agent name.

  3. Preserve your proof of ownership

    • Screenshot or secure: IMEI(s), serial number, purchase receipt, photos of the box sticker, and device screenshots if you have them in cloud backups.

Documents you will typically need

Requirements vary by carrier/NTC office, but most cases call for:

  • Government-issued ID (and company ID if corporate-issued device)
  • Proof of ownership: official receipt/sales invoice, warranty card, box label showing IMEI/serial, or screenshots/email confirmation of purchase
  • IMEI number(s) (both, if dual-SIM)
  • Incident report: barangay blotter or police report (robbery/snatching = police; simple loss can be barangay blotter; some carriers require police)
  • Affidavit of Loss (notarized)
  • If represented by someone else: Special Power of Attorney (SPA) and attorney-in-fact’s ID
  • If company-owned: Company authorization letter on letterhead signed by an officer, plus IDs

Step-by-step: Filing a report (barangay/police)

  1. Choose the appropriate report.

    • Robbery/snatching (force/intimidation): file a police report (PNP).
    • Theft/misplacement (no force): barangay blotter is often accepted; some carriers/insurers still require a police report—ask ahead.

  2. Bring your ID, device details (brand, model, color, IMEI/serial), date/time/location of loss, and any evidence (CCTV, photos).

  3. Get certified copies or a receipt/entry number. You’ll attach this to your blocking request.

Step-by-step: Requesting IMEI blocking

A. With your mobile carrier (Globe/Smart/DITO, etc.)

Carriers maintain equipment identity registers and can blacklist IMEIs on their networks. Do this immediately after suspension:

  1. Submit: ID, proof of ownership, IMEI(s), incident report, and affidavit of loss.
  2. Ask explicitly to blacklist the IMEI(s), not just suspend the line.
  3. Request a written acknowledgement (ticket/email) confirming the IMEI numbers to be blacklisted and the case/reference number.
  4. Follow up until you receive confirmation the IMEI has been added to the blacklist.

Dual-SIM reminder: Provide both IMEIs (IMEI1 and IMEI2). Ask the carrier to blacklist both.

B. With the NTC (for cross-network blocking / assistance)

NTC can facilitate or direct blacklisting at the network level and, where applicable, coordinate cross-network blocking so the device cannot be used on another carrier.

  1. Prepare a request letter (see template below) addressed to the NTC Regional Office covering your location (or Central Office).
  2. Attach: (a) ID, (b) proof of ownership, (c) affidavit of loss (notarized), (d) barangay/police report, (e) carrier ticket/acknowledgement if already filed, (f) IMEI(s) and serial, (g) contact details.
  3. File in person or via the official electronic channel (if available). Ask for a docket/ticket number.
  4. Follow up using your docket/ticket number. Keep all replies.
  5. Retain a copy of whatever memorandum/notice NTC provides and any confirmation from carriers of blacklisting action taken.

Tip: Ask both the carrier and NTC whether your request results in inter-carrier (cross-network) blacklisting and how you will receive confirmation.

Unblocking (if the device is recovered)

You may ask the carrier/NTC to remove the IMEI from the blacklist:

  • Submit a Request to Unblock with proof of recovery (e.g., police recovery release, affidavit of recovery, your ID, the prior blocking ticket).
  • Bring/attach proof that you are the same owner who requested the block.
  • Expect verification; unblocking may be denied if circumstances are suspicious or if a criminal case is pending.

Special scenarios and practical notes

  • eSIM: Ask the carrier to revoke the eSIM profile on their system. If you get the device back, you’ll need a new eSIM QR.
  • Corporate phones: The employer (as registered owner) should file the requests. Employees typically cannot block a company device without company authorization.
  • Minors: A parent/guardian files, with child’s ID (if any), the guardian’s ID, and proof of relationship.
  • Foreign-purchased phones: You can still request blocking in the Philippines; present proof of ownership and IMEI(s). Blocking takes effect on PH networks.
  • Second-hand purchases: Verify IMEI before buying (ask seller for the box sticker/Settings screenshot). Buying a blacklisted device risks non-use and possible legal exposure.
  • No receipt available: Provide alternative proof (box sticker, cloud invoice, screenshots, photos of you using the device) and a detailed Affidavit of Ownership & Loss. Acceptance is discretionary—be thorough.
  • Insurance/warranty: Most insurers require police report and may require proof of IMEI blocking. Manufacturer warranty does not cover loss/theft.

Data privacy and due process

  • You are entitled to know what personal data carriers/NTC collect to process your request, and to receive confirmation of action taken.
  • They should retain your data only as long as necessary for the purpose and legal retention rules.
  • False or malicious reports can expose you to civil and criminal liability.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is IMEI blocking permanent? It’s reversible by the owner upon verified request (see Unblocking). Otherwise, the device remains unusable on compliant networks.

Will blocking wipe my data? No. IMEI blocking only affects network access. Use Find My iPhone/Android to erase the device.

Can thieves change the IMEI? IMEI tampering is unlawful and devices altered to evade blocking may still be traceable; report any leads to police and your carrier.

How long does blocking take? Timelines vary by office and carrier. Get a ticket number and written confirmation when action is completed.

Do I still need NTC if my carrier already blocked it? NTC involvement helps with cross-network measures and creates an official paper trail, which may be useful for insurance or if the phone resurfaces.

Checklists

Owner’s quick checklist

  • Lock/wipe via Apple/Google account
  • Change passwords; freeze e-wallets/cards
  • Suspend SIM with carrier (get ref no.)
  • Get barangay/police report
  • Notarize Affidavit of Loss
  • Compile proof of ownership + IMEI(s)
  • File IMEI blacklist with carrier
  • File IMEI blacklist/assistance with NTC
  • Keep copies/tickets; calendar follow-ups
  • If recovered: file unblock request

Documents packet (print or PDF)

  • Valid ID(s)
  • Proof of ownership (receipt/box sticker/warranty)
  • IMEI1 & IMEI2 (for dual-SIM)
  • Barangay/police report (certified copy)
  • Notarized Affidavit of Loss
  • Carrier ticket/acknowledgement (if any)
  • SPA/Company letter (if applicable)

Templates (fill in and adapt as needed)

1) Affidavit of Loss (notarized)

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS

I, [Full Name], of legal age, [civil status], [citizenship], with address at [Address], after having been duly sworn, depose and state:

1. I am the owner of one (1) [Brand/Model/Color] mobile phone bearing IMEI1: [__________] and IMEI2: [__________] (if applicable), with serial number [__________].
2. On [Date] at around [Time], while at/near [Location], the said phone was [lost/stolen], with the following circumstances: [Brief narrative].
3. Despite diligent efforts to locate/recover the same, I have been unable to do so.
4. I am executing this affidavit to attest to the loss for purposes of requesting the suspension of service and IMEI blocking with my carrier and the National Telecommunications Commission, and for any other legal purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [Date] at [City], Philippines.

[Signature]
[Printed Name]
Government ID No.: [__________]

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this [Date] at [City], affiant exhibiting [ID Type/No./Expiry]. 
[Notary Public details]

2) Request Letter to NTC for IMEI Blocking

[Date]

The Regional Director
National Telecommunications Commission – [Region]
[Office Address]

Subject: REQUEST FOR IMEI BLOCKING – [Brand/Model], IMEI1: [____], IMEI2: [____]

Dear Director:

I am [Full Name], [address], contact no. [____], email [____]. I am the owner of a [Brand/Model/Color] mobile phone bearing IMEI1 [____] and IMEI2 [____] (if applicable), which was [lost/stolen] on [Date/Time] at [Location].

In support, I attach:
1) Government ID
2) Proof of ownership (receipt/box sticker/warranty)
3) Notarized Affidavit of Loss
4) Barangay/Police Report
5) Carrier ticket/acknowledgement (if any)
6) Other supporting documents: [____]

I respectfully request that the above IMEI(s) be blacklisted and appropriate directives/coordination be made with concerned public telecommunication entities to prevent the device’s use on Philippine networks.

Kindly acknowledge receipt and advise me of the action taken and reference number.

Sincerely,
[Signature over printed name]

3) Special Power of Attorney (if sending a representative)

SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

I, [Principal’s Name], of legal age, [address], do hereby appoint [Attorney-in-Fact’s Name], of legal age, [address], as my true and lawful attorney-in-fact to: file, sign, and receive documents and communications necessary to suspend service and request IMEI blocking/unblocking of my [Brand/Model] phone, IMEI1 [____], IMEI2 [____], with the NTC and my carrier.

This authority includes submitting affidavits, IDs, proofs of ownership, and obtaining certifications or confirmations.

Signed this [Date] at [City], Philippines.

[Signature of Principal]
[Printed Name]
Witnesses:
[Name/Signature]   [Name/Signature]

(If required: Acknowledged before me this [Date]… Notary Public)

Practical follow-up strategy

  • Diary your deadlines. Follow up with the carrier in a few business days; escalate if there’s no written confirmation of IMEI blacklisting.
  • Monitor your email/SMS for notices tied to your ticket number.
  • Report resale listings. If you see your device online, do not confront the seller yourself—forward details to the police and reference your case number.

Bottom line

Act fast, document everything, and pursue both channels—your carrier and the NTC—to disable the handset on Philippine networks. Keep your paper trail tight; it’s the difference between a smooth block/unblock process and weeks of avoidable back-and-forth.

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

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