Stolen Phone in the Philippines: How to File a Police Report and Request NTC IMEI Blocking

This article explains, end-to-end, what to do when your mobile phone is lost or stolen in the Philippines, how to properly file a police report, and how to request IMEI blocking through the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). It also covers the legal framework, documentation, special cases (corporate phones, minors, second-hand devices, eSIM/dual-SIM), unblocking after recovery, and practical templates you can reuse. Philippine context throughout. This is general information, not legal advice.

Executive summary (what to do first)

Stay safe. Don’t chase or confront a suspect.
Secure your accounts. Use Apple/Google “Find My,” remotely lock/erase, sign out of sessions, change passwords, and freeze mobile wallets.
Block your SIM. Call your carrier (Globe/Smart/DITO/etc.) to hotlist the SIM and request a replacement SIM/eSIM.
Gather proof of ownership & your IMEI. IMEI is on the phone box/receipt or in your Apple ID/Google account history; dial *#06# on a similar model to see where it appears (for future reference).
File a police blotter/report at the police station with jurisdiction over the incident (or where you reside if unsure).
Request NTC IMEI blocking using your proof and police report so the device is blacklisted across Philippine networks.
Keep copies & log follow-ups. You’ll need them for insurance, employer reports, or later unblocking if the device is recovered.

Key agencies & who does what

Philippine National Police (PNP): Receives and investigates criminal complaints; issues the police blotter/report you’ll need for NTC and insurance.
National Telecommunications Commission (NTC): Regulates telcos and manages IMEI blacklisting (device-level blocking) in coordination with carriers’ equipment identity registers.
Your mobile carrier (Globe/Smart/DITO/others): Can hotlist your SIM (number-level block), help with number replacement, and coordinate with NTC regarding the device blacklist.
National Privacy Commission (NPC): Handles data breach notifications for organizations. (Individuals don’t file breach notices, but inform your employer if it was a work device.)

The legal framework (plain-English)

Theft vs. Robbery.
- Theft (Revised Penal Code, Art. 308) = taking property without consent and without violence or intimidation.
- Robbery (Arts. 293–299) = taking with violence/intimidation or force upon things (e.g., bag snatching with force, break-ins).
- Penalties are value-dependent and were recalibrated by Republic Act No. 10951 (2017).
Receiving or selling stolen phones may constitute Fencing under Presidential Decree No. 1612 (criminal liability for dealing with stolen property).
SIM Registration Act (RA 11934, 2022). Requires SIM registration; telcos must have processes for deactivation/transfer in cases like theft or loss.
Data Privacy Act (RA 10173). If sensitive personal data was on a work device, your organization may need to assess/report a breach to NPC within statutory timelines.

Note on honesty: Sworn statements are taken under oath. Knowingly filing a false report or falsifying documents can lead to perjury or falsification charges.

Step 1: Immediate digital triage (same hour, if possible)

Find My Device
- Apple: Mark as Lost, lock with passcode, display contact message, consider Erase iPhone after you’re sure you won’t retrieve it quickly.
- Android (Google): Secure device, sign out, optionally erase.
Payments & 2FA
- Suspend Apple Pay/Google Wallet and any bank apps.
- Change passwords for email, social media, and especially accounts with saved cards or 2FA seeds.
Messaging apps
- Log out/disable sessions (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger).
Document your IMEI & identifiers
- IMEI (or MEID) is on the box/receipt or in your Apple ID/Google account device list. Keep screenshots.

Step 2: Block your SIM (this is not yet IMEI blocking)

Contact your carrier and request:

SIM hotlisting (disables call/SMS/data on your number).
Number retention via replacement SIM/eSIM (bring valid ID and account info; postpaid accounts may need the account holder present or a Special Power of Attorney).

Why do both? SIM blocking stops usage of your number, while IMEI blocking stops usage of the device on Philippine networks—even with a different SIM.

Step 3: File a police blotter/report

Where to file: The PNP station with jurisdiction where the incident happened (or where you reside if you can’t identify the station promptly). For incidents inside malls/terminals, on-site police desks can assist.

Bring (if available):

One (1) government-issued ID.
Proof of ownership: purchase receipt, postpaid contract, warranty card, or box with matching IMEI/serial; screenshots from Apple/Google showing the device.
Device details: Brand/model, color, storage, IMEI (and second IMEI if dual-SIM), serial number, last known time/location, SIM numbers, and networks used.
Narrative of incident with date/time/specific place and any witnesses/CCTV leads.
For minors or representatives: parent/guardian or agent with an Authorization Letter or Special Power of Attorney (SPA) and IDs.

Tips for the blotter narrative:

Stick to facts in chronological order.
Specify if the act involved violence/intimidation (robbery) or none (theft).
Include identifiers: IMEI(s), serial no., phone number(s), eSIM details if any, and last known apps used.
Ask for a certified copy of the blotter/report (you’ll attach it to the NTC request and insurance claims).

Barangay blotter? It can help for community coordination or if the suspect is known locally, but the police report is the primary document for IMEI blocking and criminal proceedings.

Step 4: Request NTC IMEI blocking (device blacklisting)

What IMEI blocking does: It adds your device’s IMEI to the Philippines’ blacklist so local networks reject it, making the handset largely unusable in the country even with a new SIM.

Limitations to understand (manage expectations):

Blocking is country-level. It won’t necessarily stop use outside the Philippines.
It does not track or recover your device.
Some older/altered/cloned devices may complicate matching; provide clear proof.

Typical requirements (prepare copies):

Valid government ID of the owner.
Proof of ownership showing brand/model and IMEI/serial (receipt, box, warranty card, telco contract, device page from Apple/Google account).
Police blotter/report (or Affidavit of Loss/Robbery if police report is pending—police report is usually preferred).
Request letter / accomplished form asking for IMEI blacklisting, with:
- Owner’s full name and contact details
- Brand/model, color, storage
- IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 (for dual-SIM/eSIM phones) and serial no.
- Date/time/place of loss/theft and brief facts
- Carrier(s) and mobile number(s) used
For representatives: SPA or Authorization Letter + IDs of owner and representative.
For corporate phones: Company Secretary’s Certificate or Authorization letter + company ID; attach asset tag or inventory sheet referencing the IMEI.

How to file:

In person at an NTC Regional Office (recommended: bring originals + photocopies).
Via your carrier if they accept and forward IMEI blacklist requests in coordination with NTC (processes vary).
Online channels may exist; rules change—bring everything as if filing in person.

Fees & timing: IMEI blacklisting is typically free; you may pay for notarization/copies. Processing time varies by office.

After filing:

Keep your receiving copy with reference number/date.
Follow up using the reference details (NTC/regional office or your carrier, as applicable).
Continue to monitor Find My in case the device goes online (don’t attempt risky meet-ups).

If your device is recovered: request IMEI unblocking

If the phone is found and returned to you (or recovered by police), you can request unblocking so it works again:

Prepare:

Valid ID of owner.
Proof of ownership (as above).
Proof of recovery (e.g., police certification acknowledging recovery/turnover, or affidavit explaining circumstances).
If a representative/company device: SPA/authorization and corporate docs as applicable.

File a request to NTC (or via carrier if they handled the original request). Keep your original blacklist reference handy.

Special situations & practical guidance

1) No receipt / second-hand purchase

Provide alternative proof: the box with matching IMEI, prior photos/screenshots showing you using the device, email from the seller at the time of sale, marketplace thread, or telco billing showing the IMEI.
If you unknowingly bought a stolen device that becomes blocked, consult counsel; the Anti-Fencing Law (PD 1612) can apply. Keep all documents and the seller’s details. You may file a complaint against the seller and seek restitution.

2) eSIM and dual-SIM phones

Many phones have two IMEIs. List both in your police/NTC requests (IMEI 1 & IMEI 2).
If you had multiple SIMs (physical/eSIM), note all mobile numbers and carriers used.

3) Corporate/issued devices

Inform your IT/Security immediately for MDM-based lock/erase.
The company’s authorized signatory should sign the NTC blocking request; attach internal asset records mapping IMEI to the employee assignment.

4) Minors / owners abroad / representatives

Use a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) or Authorization Letter with owner’s valid ID. Attach the representative’s valid ID.
For overseas owners, a consularized SPA may be required for some offices.

5) Incident involves threats or weapons (robbery)

Your personal safety is paramount. Note weapons/threats in the police narrative. Medical records for injuries should be attached if any.

6) Device contained sensitive personal or work data

Individuals: change passwords, rotate 2FA, and inform contacts of possible account compromise.
Employers: evaluate Data Privacy Act breach notification obligations; consult your DPO/legal team.

7) Insurance & manufacturer programs

Many insurers and extended-warranty providers require a police report within a set period. File promptly and keep certified copies.

Evidence preservation checklist

Save CCTV references (ask premises management for retention periods).
Keep Find My logs/screenshots showing last known location/time.
Keep SMS/email notifications of account sign-ins or SIM changes.
Write down witness names and contact details.

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Only blocking the SIM. Do both: SIM hotlist (carrier) and IMEI blacklist (NTC).
Missing IMEI. Photograph your phone’s box and device info now, even if nothing is stolen yet.
Vague police narrative. Include precise date/time/location and IMEI(s).
No SPA for representatives. Bring proper authorizations to avoid repeat visits.
Not following up. Keep a simple log (dates, offices, contact persons, reference numbers).

Frequently asked questions

Does IMEI blocking help me get the phone back? No. It only deters local reuse. Recovery depends on law enforcement, evidence, and luck.

Will IMEI blocking work abroad? Generally, it’s effective within the Philippines. Effects abroad depend on foreign carriers’ systems and data sharing.

How long does blocking take? Varies by office and workload. File promptly; follow up with your reference number.

Can I block without a police report? Some offices accept an Affidavit of Loss/Theft with solid proof of ownership, but a police report is stronger and often required.

I found my lost phone after it was blocked. Can I unlock it? Yes—file an unblocking request with proof of recovery and ownership.

Templates you can reuse

How to use these: Replace bracketed text with your details. Print in black ink. Sign before a notary public when indicated.

A. Police blotter narrative (guide)

On [Date] at approximately [Time], while at [Exact Location/Address, Barangay, City], I, [Full Name], noticed that my [Brand/Model/Color/Storage] mobile phone, bearing IMEI 1 [________] and IMEI 2 [________] (Serial No. [________]), with SIM number(s) [________] under [Carrier], was [stolen/taken by unknown person / taken by suspect known as ______ / snatched / lost under the following circumstances]. The incident [did/did not] involve violence or intimidation. I immediately attempted to locate the device via [Find My iPhone / Find My Device], last seen at [location/time if any]. I am filing this report for record, investigation, and for NTC IMEI blacklisting. Attached are copies of my ID and proof of ownership [list documents].

B. Affidavit of Loss/Theft (for notarization)

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

I am the owner of a [Brand/Model/Color/Storage] mobile phone with IMEI 1 [________] and IMEI 2 [________] (Serial No. [________]), used with mobile number(s) [________] under [Carrier].

On [Date] at around [Time], at [Exact Location], the said device was [lost/stolen/snatching/robbery—brief facts].

Despite diligent efforts, I have been unable to recover it.

I execute this Affidavit to attest to the facts above and to support requests to hotlist the SIM and block the device IMEI with the NTC, and for any lawful purpose. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [Date] at [City], Philippines. [Signature over printed name] SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this [Date], affiant exhibiting [ID Type, No., Date/Place issued]. Notary Public

C. IMEI Blacklisting Request Letter (NTC/carrier)

[Date] To: National Telecommunications Commission / [Carrier Name] Subject: Request to Blacklist IMEI(s) – [Brand/Model] I am [Full Name], owner of [Brand/Model/Color/Storage] with IMEI 1 [________] and IMEI 2 [________] (Serial [________]). The device was [lost/stolen] on [Date] at [Exact Location] under the following circumstances: [brief facts]. Please block/blacklist the above IMEI(s) across Philippine networks. Attached are:

Valid ID; 2) Proof of ownership (receipt/box/contract/screenshots); 3) Police blotter/report or Affidavit of Loss/Theft; 4) My contact details. Thank you. [Signature over printed name | Mobile | Email]

D. Authorization Letter / SPA (short form)

[Date] I, [Owner’s Name], authorize [Representative’s Name] to file and sign documents on my behalf for the police report and NTC IMEI blacklisting/unblocking of my [Brand/Model] with IMEI(s) [________]. Attached are copies of our valid IDs. [Owner’s Signature]

Document checklist (print & bring)

Government ID (owner; and representative, if any)
Proof of ownership (receipt/box/warranty/contract/screenshots mapping IMEI)
IMEI 1 / IMEI 2 / Serial number
Police blotter/report (or Affidavit if blotter pending)
Request letter/form for IMEI blacklisting
SPA/Authorization (if represented) / Corporate authorization (if company device)
Copies of Find-My screenshots / last known location (optional but helpful)

Practical Q&A for second-hand sales (to prevent problems)

Before buying used: Verify the IMEI with the seller’s ID and official receipt; ask for a Deed of Sale referencing the IMEI and serial; test calls/data; ensure the device is not iCloud/MDM-locked.
As a seller: Provide a Deed of Sale, clear your accounts (remove from Apple/Google device lists), and keep buyer’s details for your protection.
If you’re offered a deep discount with no papers: Walk away—fencing risk is on you.

Final notes

File immediately—memories fade and CCTV gets overwritten.
Keep your paper trail—many headaches are avoided by having IDs, receipts, and the box.
Consider engraving or recording your IMEI and serial in a safe place today.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information on Philippine procedures and law as commonly applied. Processes can differ by office or change over time. For case-specific advice, consult a Philippine lawyer or contact the relevant PNP/NTC regional office.