Sample Warning Letter for Sending Unsolicited Nudes in the Philippines
A practical, Philippine-context legal guide with templates and how-to steps
Quick note: This is general information, not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you feel unsafe or if a child is involved, treat this as urgent and contact authorities immediately.
1) The conduct, in plain terms
“Unsolicited nudes” means a person digitally sends sexually explicit photos or videos—often of themselves—to someone who did not ask for them and does not consent to receive them. This commonly happens over messaging apps, social media DMs, email, SMS, or workplace platforms.
In the Philippines, this can amount to gender-based online sexual harassment and/or sexual harassment (depending on context), and may be pursued criminally, administratively (in schools/workplaces), and/or civilly (damages). When minors are involved or when the images depict someone else without consent, far graver offenses may apply.
2) Legal hooks commonly cited in a warning letter
You don’t need to argue every provision—choose what clearly fits your facts. A typical letter cites one or more of:
Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313), “Gender-Based Sexual Harassment”
- Covers unwanted sexual remarks/conduct in public spaces, online, and workplaces/schools.
- Sending unsolicited sexual images online can qualify as gender-based online sexual harassment.
- Schools and workplaces must have policies, committees, and procedures; sanctions can be administrative (e.g., reprimand, suspension, dismissal), in addition to criminal penalties for GBV/harassment offenses.
Anti-Sexual Harassment (R.A. 7877) as expanded by the Safe Spaces Act
- If there’s a work, training, or education relationship (supervisor–subordinate, teacher–student, coach–athlete, etc.), sexual advances regardless of acceptance can be actionable.
Revised Penal Code concepts often invoked
- Unjust vexation (used in some harassment contexts where conduct causes annoyance, irritation, or humiliation).
- Acts of lasciviousness may arise in certain fact patterns (usually involves acts against or with the victim; elements vary—consult counsel before invoking).
Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act (R.A. 9995)
- When a person captures or shares another person’s nudity/sexual activity without consent.
- Note: If the sender is sharing their own image, this law usually doesn’t apply; it applies when someone disseminates someone else’s intimate image without consent.
Cybercrime Prevention Act (R.A. 10175)
- Many offenses become qualified when committed through ICT (online). Your warning can note that online acts may be pursued under cybercrime provisions (e.g., as a mode or qualifying circumstance), and that digital evidence will be preserved.
Violence Against Women and their Children Act (R.A. 9262)
- If the sender is a current/former spouse/partner or shares a child with the recipient, psychological violence (causing intimidation, harassment, or emotional distress) may be implicated. Barangay Protection Orders (BPOs) are available.
Anti-Child Pornography Act (R.A. 9775)
- Zero tolerance. If any depicted person is under 18 (or appears to be, or is represented as such), immediately report; do not engage with the sender beyond preserving evidence.
Civil Code (Arts. 19, 20, 21) – Abuse of rights / acts contrary to morals / damages
- Supports a claim for moral, exemplary, and actual damages for offensive conduct causing distress and humiliation.
Practical tip: In a workplace/school case, pair your warning letter with an internal complaint under the institution’s Safe Spaces/anti-harassment policy. In a domestic/intimate partner scenario, ask about protection orders. Where conduct is purely online from a stranger, emphasize the Safe Spaces Act (online harassment) and platform policies.
3) Evidence you should preserve (before sending any letter)
- Full message threads showing: the sender’s identity/handle, timestamps, and that the image(s) were unsolicited.
- Original media files (download without altering names/metadata if possible).
- Screenshots + URLs and your own notes (how you know the sender, how many times it happened, any prior “stop” messages).
- Witness confirmation (if anyone else saw it on shared channels).
- Keep copies offline and in the cloud; do not alter or edit files. If needed, export a hash or use a notary/e-notary later to attest integrity.
4) Strategy: When to send a warning letter (and when not to)
Send a letter when you want to (a) put the sender on formal notice to stop, (b) demand deletion, and (c) record a paper trail before escalation. Do not send a letter if it could endanger you (e.g., stalker with known aggression) or if a minor is depicted—go straight to authorities. When the sender is anonymous, consider a platform report and a “John Doe” preservation/notice (see variant template below) while you explore identification.
5) Delivery and form
- Channels: Email (with read receipt), platform DM (plus screenshot), registered mail/courier to the last known address, or through counsel.
- Tone: Firm, factual, non-insulting. Avoid threats; simply state realistic legal steps.
- Deadline: 48–120 hours is common for deletion + written undertaking.
- Attachments: Copies of offending messages (redacted as needed).
6) Master template — Cease & Desist / Demand to Delete (Philippine context)
Use this as a starting point. Replace bracketed items. If you have counsel, send on counsel letterhead.
[Date]
[Sender’s Name or Handle]
[Address or Email/Username]
[Platform/URL if applicable]
Re: Unsolicited Transmission of Sexually Explicit Images – Formal Notice to Cease, Preserve, and Delete
I write regarding your [message(s)/DM(s)/email(s)] sent on [date(s) and time(s)] via [platform/app], which contained sexually explicit image(s)/video(s). I did not request or consent to receive such material. Your conduct caused me distress, embarrassment, and disruption.
Legal Notice. Your actions constitute gender-based online sexual harassment under the Safe Spaces Act (R.A. 11313), and may also be actionable under anti-sexual harassment policies applicable to [our workplace/school], relevant provisions of the Revised Penal Code (e.g., unjust vexation), and related special laws addressing misconduct perpetrated through information and communications technologies. If our relationship is within a work or educational setting, take notice that your conduct may trigger administrative sanctions independent of any criminal or civil liability.
Demands.
1. CEASE & DESIST. Immediately stop sending any sexual or indecent content to me through any channel.
2. PRESERVATION. Secure and preserve, unaltered, all messages, files, and account records related to this matter (including logs, handles, and device information). Do not delete, modify, or conceal relevant data; spoliation may be pursued against you.
3. DELETION & CERTIFICATION. Within [72 hours] from receipt of this letter, permanently delete all sexual images/videos you sent to me, any copies/forwards/backups, and provide **a signed written certification** identifying where the files were stored and confirming deletion.
4. NON-CONTACT. Do not contact me again except (a) to send the written certification above or (b) through my counsel if I designate one.
Reservation of Rights. I reserve all rights to (i) file criminal complaints with the PNP/ACG or NBI, (ii) pursue administrative action with [HR/School Committee] under the Safe Spaces Act and institutional policies, and (iii) seek civil remedies for damages and protective measures available under Philippine law.
Delivery & Acknowledgment. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter by reply to [your email] within [24 hours]. Your failure to comply will be taken into account in choosing appropriate legal action.
[Your Full Name]
[Address (optional)]
[Email / Mobile]
7) Variants you may need
A) Workplace variant (copy HR/Committee)
Add:
- “This letter also constitutes a report under the company’s Safe Spaces/Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy. Kindly treat this as a formal complaint. Please confirm initiation of proceedings and interim measures (no-contact, schedule adjustments, etc.).”
B) School variant (copy the disciplinary/GBV committee)
Add:
- “This serves as a report to the school Gender-Based Sexual Harassment Committee under R.A. 11313. Please acknowledge and advise on protective measures.”
C) Anonymous sender (“John Doe” preservation)
If you only have a handle or number:
- Address the handle/number; send via the platform and email the platform’s legal/report address.
- Include: “If you control or used the account [@handle/number], consider this your formal notice. The platform is separately requested to preserve logs and subscriber information for legal process.”
D) Through counsel
Same content, but your lawyer signs, adds bar roll number and IBP/PTIN details, and may add a litigation hold paragraph referencing cybercrime preservation.
8) Pair the letter with these immediate actions
- Platform report: Use the in-app “Report sexual content/harassment” flow; request preservation (many platforms retain server logs upon report).
- Institutional report: HR or school GBV/Anti-SH committee (attach the letter and evidence).
- Police/NBI: PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) / Women & Children Protection Desk (WCPD) or NBI Cybercrime Division—especially for repeat offenders, threats, stalking, doxxing, or minors.
- Barangay: For domestic/intimate partner cases, seek a Barangay Protection Order; the barangay can facilitate mediation and issue interim reliefs.
- Safety measures: Block the account, tighten privacy settings, and tell trusted contacts not to forward any content they may have received.
9) Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
- Engaging in arguments with the sender → Keep communications minimal; let the letter speak.
- Altering evidence (cropping, editing, renaming) → Keep originals; make copies for sharing.
- Over-threatening (e.g., “I’ll publish your info”) → Avoid anything that could be misconstrued as harassment or extortion.
- Waiting too long → Memories fade and logs rotate; act promptly.
- Sending if you feel unsafe → If danger is imminent, skip the letter and go straight to authorities.
10) FAQs
Q: The sender says it was “a joke.” What now? A: Intent isn’t a defense to harassment. Your lack of consent is the point. Proceed with the letter and, if applicable, an HR/school report.
Q: The image is of me (taken before) and they sent it to me threatening to share. A: That’s different: possible voyeurism (if captured/shared without your consent) and extortion/coercion if threats are made. Preserve evidence and seek urgent legal help.
Q: The sender is a minor. A: If any explicit content depicts a minor, treat as potential child sexual abuse material—do not send a typical warning letter; immediately report and secure evidence.
Q: Can I demand money? A: Do not threaten to expose them for payment or demand money; that risks legal blowback. You may demand deletion and non-contact, and reserve your right to seek damages through proper channels.
11) One-page micro-template (paste-and-send version)
Subject: Formal Notice – Stop Sending Sexual Images / Delete & Do Not Contact
I did not consent to receive the sexual image(s)/video(s) you sent on [date/time] via [platform]. This conduct constitutes gender-based online sexual harassment under Philippine law.
You are ordered to:
• Stop sending any sexual/indecent content to me.
• Preserve all related data (do not delete or alter).
• Delete all copies you sent and certify deletion within [72 hours].
• Do not contact me again, except to send that certification.
I reserve all rights to pursue criminal complaints, administrative action at [work/school], and civil damages. Acknowledge receipt within [24 hours].
[Name]
[Email / optional phone]
12) Final checklist before you send
- You saved original files and full threads.
- Your timeline (dates/times, platforms) is clear.
- You picked the right addressee(s) and copied HR/School if applicable.
- You set a reasonable deadline and an allowed channel for reply.
- You kept the tone professional and avoided threats.
- You have a next step planned if they ignore the letter (platform report, HR/committee filing, police/NBI, barangay, counsel).
If you want, I can tailor the template to your exact facts (workplace vs. online stranger, repeated behavior, anonymity, etc.) and convert it into a clean PDF with your details.