ONLINE NBI COMPLAINT GUIDE (Philippines) A practical legal primer on filing criminal complaints with the National Bureau of Investigation through its e-Complaint channels (Current as of 17 June 2025)
1. Why go to the NBI?
| NBI mandate | Typical real-world examples |
|---|---|
| Nation-wide or multi-provincial crimes that need centralized investigation | Investment scams operating in several regions; syndicated estafa |
| Cybercrime & digital forensics | Online love-scam, phishing, ransomware, SIM-swap fraud |
| Human trafficking & child exploitation | OSEC livestreaming, illegal recruitment abroad |
| Public-interest or high-profile cases endorsed by DOJ/Palace | Large government procurement anomalies |
| When a local police unit is allegedly involved | “Ninja cops” drug recycling probe |
2. Legal foundation
- RA 10867 (NBI Reorganization & Modernization Act) – §§11-12 give the Bureau original authority to investigate “crimes of an intricate or complicated nature, in coordination with the DOJ.”
- RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act) – the NBI-CCD is a “law enforcement authority” under §10.
- RA 8792 (E-Commerce Act) & RA 11032 (Ease of Doing Business) – oblige agencies to provide online transactions.
- RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act) – governs storage & disclosure of complainant data.
- DOJ Department Circular № 041-2021 – formally launched the NBI Online Complaint & Investigation Management System (OCIMS).
3. Which platform should I use?
| Channel (all free) | Access URL / method | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| OCIMS web portal | https://complaints.nbi.gov.ph |
Full-length complaint-affidavit with multiple uploads |
| Cybercrime e-Complaint form | ccd.nbi.gov.ph/complaint |
Phishing, online fraud, sextortion |
| NBI Mobile App (“NBI Clearance Online”) | Android / iOS | Quick status check & chat with case officer |
| 1343 Actionline (24/7) | Call/SMS/Viber +63 2-1343 | Trafficking-in-persons, OFWs abroad |
| Email hotlines per division | e.g. antitrafficking@nbi.gov.ph | When evidence files exceed 20 MB |
Walk-in vs. online: Emergency in-flagrante arrests, medico-legal examinations, or chain-of-custody of seized devices still require physical presence at an NBI district office.
4. Basic eligibility
- Who may file: the victim, a relative within the 4th civil degree, any Filipino locus standi under mandamus (e.g., taxpayer suit), or a corporate officer with a Board Resolution.
- Foreign nationals may file if the crime happened in Philippine territory or the accused is a Filipino.
- Minors must act through a parent/guardian; attach a notarized Parental Consent.
5. Documentary checklist
Complaint-Affidavit (PDF, max 10 MB) — notarized, stating:
- parties’ complete details,
- chronological narration with dates, places, amounts, usernames, IPs,
- specific law allegedly violated,
- prayer (“…that respondent be charged for Violation of RA 10175, Art. 315 RPC, etc.”).
Evidence attachments – screenshots, bank receipts, chat logs (exported in .csv if possible), photos, video clips (MP4 ≤ 50 MB).
Valid ID (scanned front & back).
Special Power of Attorney / Secretary’s Certificate (if filing through a representative or for a corporation).
Proof of authority for law-enforcement referrals (e.g., endorsement letter from a mayor, CSWDO, DepEd).
6. Step-by-step filing via OCIMS
| Step | What happens | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 — Account creation | Register with email & Philippine mobile number; OTP verification. | Use a personal email you check often — all subpoenas arrive here. |
| 2 — Profile setup | Encode full legal name, address, birthdate. | Name must match your ID exactly to avoid later clearance mismatches. |
| 3 — Complaint details | Pick crime category & sub-category from drop-down; fill narrative box (max 10 000 chars). | Draft your affidavit offline first; then copy-paste. |
| 4 — Upload files | Drag-and-drop up to 20 files; portal auto-generates hash values. | Use clear filenames (“BPI_Receipt_23Mar25.jpg”). |
| 5 — Privacy consent & e-sign | Check boxes for Data Privacy and Anti-Red Tape acknowledgments; type full name as e-signature. | Screenshot the confirmation page. |
| 6 — Submission | System sends NBI Complaint Reference No. (NCRN-YY-####) to your email. | Save it — you’ll need it for follow-up. |
Processing timeline (internal NBI service standards)
| Stage | Working-day target |
|---|---|
| Docketing & completeness check | +3 days |
| Division Raffle & assignment | +5 days |
| Evaluation of probable cause | +30 days (extendible) |
| Subpoena issuance to respondent | within 3 days of evaluation |
| Clarificatory conferences | within 15 days of respondent’s answer |
| Final Investigation Report to DOJ | within 60 days from raffle |
(Expedite lanes exist for children, trafficking, and cases endorsed “By Authority of the President”.)
7. Fees
- Filing: ₱ 0.
- Notarization: ₱ 200 – 400 (online or walk-in).
- Certified true copies of records: ₱ 75/first 3 pages.
- Digital forensics imaging: no charge to complainant; subject to court order.
8. After filing — what to expect
| Event | Your duty | Possible NBI actions |
|---|---|---|
| Email requiring clarifications | Reply within 5 calendar days; upload additional docs. | If unanswered, case may be archived. |
| Subpoena hearing | Appear on the set video-con or at NBI HQ. | Failure of respondent to appear may ground application for search warrant. |
| Agreement / settlement | File a Manifestation of Desistance if you choose. | NBI may still pursue if crime is public in nature (e.g., trafficking). |
| Case referral to Office of the Prosecutor | Watch for DOJ docket number; prepare for preliminary investigation. | You will receive a scanned Investigation Report. |
9. Digital-evidence dos & don’ts
- Preserve full-resolution screenshots with URL bar and time-stamp.
- Export email headers (.eml) or chat logs (.json).
- Keep original devices unaltered; if you must keep using them, create a forensic image first (NBI can assist).
- Maintain clear chain of custody log (who possessed the evidence, date, time, purpose).
10. Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
| Pitfall | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Filing defamation/libel with the NBI (usually provincial fiscal’s jurisdiction) | Go straight to the Office of the City/Provincial Prosecutor unless the libel is syndicated or cross-border. |
| Uploading blurred screenshots | Use device’s built-in screen recorder or “print to PDF” for web-pages. |
| Multiple overlapping complaints in different regions | Consolidate; the NBI will dismiss duplicative filings. |
| Failure to attend clarificatory hearing | Authorize counsel via SPA or request rescheduling 3 days prior. |
| Submitting a bare “weblink” without context | Provide narrative of how you discovered it, who posted, the damage caused. |
11. Special situations
- Overseas Filipinos / seafarers – notarize affidavits at PH Embassy/Consulate or via Philippine e-notary; appearances can be via Zoom.
- Child-exploitation material – portal auto-flags and routes to VOCT; expect coordinated rescue operations fast-tracked (< 24 h).
- Corporate victims – Board Resolution naming company representative + Secretary’s Certificate.
- Urgent bank account freeze – coordinate with AMLC; attach NBI Letter-Request for prompt issuance of Freeze Order under RA 9160 §10, as amended.
12. Remedies if unhappy with NBI action
| Scenario | Remedy & deadline |
|---|---|
| Complaint dismissed or archived | Motion for Reconsideration to NBI Director within 15 days of notice. |
| Inaction beyond 60-day standard | Letter-Complaint to DOJ Secretary under §31, RA 10867. |
| Unlawful search/seizure | Petition for Certiorari/Prohibition under Rule 65, or criminal action vs. agents under RA 7438. |
13. Sample skeleton of a Complaint-Affidavit
Caption AFFIDAVIT-COMPLAINT I, Juan Dela Cruz, Filipino, of legal age, residing at …, after having been duly sworn, depose and state:
- Parties. Respondent Ana Reyes is…
- Jurisdiction. The NBI has original jurisdiction under §11(f), RA 10867 because…
- Facts. On 10 March 2025, at around 0900H…
- Legal basis. Respondent violated Art. 315(2)(a) RPC (Estafa thru false pretenses), in relation to §6, RA 10175…
- Prayer. Wherefore, premises considered… IN WITNESS WHEREOF… Signature
14. Frequently asked questions
| Q | A |
|---|---|
| Is online filing accepted as date-filed for purposes of prescription? | Yes. The server time-stamp is treated as the date of filing (NBI Memo № 2022-027). |
| Can I amend my complaint? | One amendment is allowed within 10 days, by uploading a verified Amended Affidavit. |
| Will the respondent immediately see my data? | Only after the finding of prima facie case and subpoena issuance, per the need-to-know rule under the NBI Privacy Manual. |
| Can I request a temporary takedown of a fraudulent website? | Yes – ask the NBI-CCD for a formal Notice & Takedown letter to DICT or domain registrar. |
| How do I expedite if there is ongoing harm (e.g., viral nude leak)? | Mark your complaint “URGENT – INJUNCTIVE RELIEF” and simultaneously email cyber-ha@nbi.gov.ph with screenshots. |
15. Key take-aways
- The NBI does not charge filing fees; costs are mainly in notarization and document preparation.
- A clear, evidence-rich affidavit speeds up probable-cause evaluation.
- Maintain digital chain of custody from day one.
- Respond quickly to clarificatory emails or the case may stall.
- If you need help drafting, consult a lawyer — this guide is information, not legal advice.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and reflects procedures up to 17 June 2025. Laws, portals, and internal memoranda can change; always verify the latest NBI issuances or consult counsel for case-specific advice.