Here’s a clear, practice-oriented legal article for the Philippine setting—complete enough for laypersons, HR/compliance teams, and counsel.

Warrant of Arrest Notice Verification (Philippines)

How warrants are issued, what a “notice” really is, how to verify safely, and what to do next

1) What a warrant of arrest is—and is not

A warrant of arrest is a written order issued by a judge, directed to a peace officer (or sometimes a private person), ordering the arrest of a specifically named person.
Basis: the judge must personally determine probable cause (typically after evaluating a complaint, prosecutor’s resolution, and/or examining the complainant and witnesses).
Key features of a valid warrant:
1. Case title/number (or docket information if already raffled)
2. Complete name/identifiers of the accused
3. Offense charged
4. Bail recommendation (if bailable) or statement “No bail recommended”
5. Date and judge’s signature with court seal
6. Directive to arrest and bring before the court without unnecessary delay

Not a warrant: prosecutor subpoenas, police “invitations,” barangay summons, demand letters, immigration advisories, or any text/message asking for payment to “stop” an arrest.

2) Typical sources of a warrant—and why you might “hear” about one

After filing of an Information in court (post-preliminary investigation)
Bench warrant: issued when an accused or witness fails to appear as required by the court
Alias warrant: reissued if an initial warrant was unserved
Probation or judgment compliance violations in criminal cases

You might learn of it through police service, counsel, a court notice, an NBI “HIT”, HR background checks (with consent), or even a scam message.

3) The right way to verify if a warrant exists

Goal: confirm authenticity, details, and status (active/served/withdrawn/recall pending) without tipping off scammers or waiving rights.

A) If you are the person named (or their counsel/authorized representative)

Quiet court check (preferred).
- Go to or call the Office of the Clerk of Court (OCC) or the branch that likely handles the case (based on place of alleged offense).
- Provide full name, birthdate, and any case reference you have.
- Ask for the branch and case number, warrant status, and bail. Request a certified true copy of the Information and warrant (counsel can do this more smoothly).
Through counsel.
- Counsel can check e-roll/docket, coordinate with the branch clerk, and view the record.
- If there is an active warrant and the offense is bailable, counsel can prepare immediate bail and a motion to recall/lift upon posting.
Police verification (Warrant Section).
- You (or counsel) may verify at the PNP Warrant and Subpoena Section of the relevant city/municipality/district. Bring ID and an authorization if verifying for someone else.
- Ask for issuing court, case number, offense, and bail.
NBI Clearance.
- Applying for an NBI clearance may reveal a HIT that, when verified at the NBI, discloses pending cases/warrants. This is slower but commonplace for HR due diligence.

Data privacy note: Courts typically do not give warrant copies to random callers. Parties, counsel of record, or authorized representatives get priority access. Bring ID and, if needed, a Special Power of Attorney (SPA).

B) If you are an employer/compliance officer

Obtain written consent from the applicant/employee (for background checks).
Use NBI clearance and, where legally necessary, a court certification (through counsel with authorization).
Avoid “blacklists” or third-party rumor checks—verify at source (court/NBI/PNP) to avoid privacy and labor-law issues.

C) Red-flag indicators of scams

Texts/DMs claiming a “warrant” and demanding GCash or bank transfer to “settle” bail or “administrative fines.”
A “prosecutor” or “CIDG” account sending screenshots with wrong seals/fonts or misspelled court names.
Threats like “arrest in 2 hours unless you pay.”
“Online hearing link” from an unknown sender to “cancel your warrant.”

Rule of thumb: No legitimate office cancels a warrant for a payment to a personal account. Bail is posted with the court or authorized bonding company, with official receipts.

4) What happens during service of a warrant (your rights)

The arresting officer must identify themselves and show the warrant (or inform you of the cause of arrest and the fact that a warrant exists if immediate presentation is impracticable).
You have the right to remain silent and to competent and independent counsel (of your choice); if you cannot afford one, one will be provided.
For bailable offenses, you have the right to bail; you may ask to be brought to the issuing court or a court authorized by the Rules on Bail to accept bail (see §6 below).
You must be delivered to the nearest police station for booking, and then to the court without unnecessary delay.
No inquest is required for arrests by warrant (inquest is for warrantless arrests), but you must still be brought to court promptly.

5) Special types of warrants—and how they affect verification

Bench Warrant: issued for failure to appear or obey orders. Verification is straightforward through the issuing branch; lifting usually requires appearance, explanation, and compliance (and often bail if not yet posted).
Alias Warrant: reissued when the first was unserved; status can change quickly—verify day-of before travel or appearance.
No-Bail Warrant: for capital offenses or where the court denies bail; consult counsel immediately about remedies (e.g., Petition for Bail if legally permissible after hearing on evidence).
Warrants outside jurisdiction: may be served anywhere in the Philippines. If arrested far from the issuing court, you can post bail before an authorized court where you’re arrested (see §6).

6) Bail and recall/lifting of warrants—practical playbook

A) Posting bail (core rules, simplified)

Custody of the law is generally required; voluntary surrender at the court/police station satisfies this.
Where to file:
- Preferably with the court where the case is pending; or
- If that judge is unavailable, with any RTC in the province/city where you were arrested; or
- In in-the-field situations, coordinate through counsel and the arresting officers to get you before an available judge.
Bring: government ID, cash or bond (or surety bond from an accredited bonding company), and your counsel.
After acceptance of bail, counsel should move to recall/lift the warrant immediately, attaching the official receipt and bond approval.

B) Lifting a bench/alias warrant

Appear personally with counsel; file a Motion to Recall/Lift Warrant citing posting of bail and explanation for absence (if bench warrant).
Be ready to pay fines or accept admonition for non-appearance.
Ask the court for an order directing PNP to update their warrant database (to avoid erroneous re-arrest).

7) If you receive a “notice” at home or work—what to do today

Do not ignore it; do not pay anyone.
Photograph the notice/envelope and note the names, time, and numbers.
Call your counsel (or PAO if eligible).
Verify at source (court/OCC; police Warrant Section).
If confirmed and bailable, plan a controlled surrender and post bail the same day; bring IDs and funds.
If not bailable or unclear, surrender with counsel and prepare for appropriate motions (e.g., bail hearing if legally viable).

8) HR/Compliance: lawful verification without liability

Get consent (written) for background checks.
Require NBI clearance (the applicant handles “HIT” verification).
For sensitive roles, have counsel secure a court certification (with applicant’s SPA).
Avoid storing copies of warrants without need-to-know controls; comply with the Data Privacy Act (minimize, secure, and retain only as needed).

9) Frequent misconceptions—clean answers

“The prosecutor can issue a warrant.” No. Only judges issue warrants of arrest. Prosecutors issue subpoenas and resolutions, not warrants.
“I can pay online to cancel the warrant.” False. Bail is posted with the court (or authorized court) and receipted; payment doesn’t “cancel” a warrant unless the court orders recall after bail/appearance.
“Inquest is required because I was arrested.” Not for warrant arrests. Inquest is for warrantless arrests.
“If I don’t show up, they’ll just re-schedule.” Courts typically issue a bench warrant for failure to appear; skipping is risky.
“A ‘lookout bulletin’ equals a warrant.” No. Lookout advisories are not arrest warrants. Arrest requires a judge-issued warrant (or a valid Rule 113 warrantless-arrest situation).

10) Templates you can adapt (quick drafting help)

A) Court verification request (for counsel or authorized representative)

Re: Verification of Warrant Status — People v. [Name], (If known: Crim. Case No. ___), [Court/Branch] We respectfully request to verify whether a warrant of arrest is outstanding/recall-ordered/served in the above case. Attached are: (1) SPA/ID of the person named; (2) Counsel’s ID/IBP. Kindly advise the bail recommendation and schedule for appearance/bond approval. We are ready to post bail and request immediate recall if applicable.

B) Motion to Recall/Lift Warrant (gist)

Antecedents (issuance of warrant; reason e.g., failure to receive notice; illness; travel)
Compliance (appearance; bail posted; attached OR/bond approval)
Prayer (recall/lift, update PNP, cancel bench warrant, set arraignment/pre-trial)

11) Travel & immigration considerations

Courts can issue Hold Departure Orders (HDOs) in certain cases; the DOJ issues Immigration Lookout Bulletins (ILBOs) (not a warrant).
If you suspect a case, verify with the court and coordinate before travel. Posting bail and recall orders should be documented and carried when flying.

12) Practical checklists

For individuals

Don’t pay anyone outside court channels
Call counsel/PAO
Verify with court/OCC and Warrant Section
Prepare IDs and bail funds (or surety)
Plan a controlled surrender and same-day bail
Secure Order recalling warrant; keep copies on phone & hardcopy

For counsel

OCC/branch verification; get CTCs
Coordinate with arresting unit for safe turnover
File bail promptly; move to recall
Serve recall order on PNP Warrant Section; request database update
Calendar arraignment and ensure client appears

For HR/Compliance

Written consent for checks
NBI clearance; handle “HIT” per protocol
If needed, court verification via counsel + SPA
Observe Data Privacy controls

13) Bottom line

A real warrant comes from a judge; verification should be at source (court/OCC, police Warrant Section, or via counsel).
Scam notices are common—no legitimate office cancels a warrant through private payments.
If a warrant exists and the offense is bailable, the fastest safe path is controlled appearance + same-day bail + motion to recall.
Keep everything documented and serve recall orders on enforcement units to prevent mistaken re-arrests.

This is general information, not legal advice. For a live situation, coordinate with counsel immediately and follow the specific branch’s procedures and schedules.