NBI Cybercrime Complaint Process Philippines

Last materially reviewed: September 3, 2026

Direct Answer

Victims of computer-related offenses may file a complaint directly with the NBI Cybercrime Division or through an NBI regional office. The NBI Citizens Charter states that complainants are assisted in completing a complaint sheet, interviewed by an investigator, and may be asked to execute sworn statements, submit affidavits, and present devices or supporting evidence relevant to the investigation.

Primary authority: NBI Citizens Charter — Investigative Assistance for Victims of Computer Crimes.

Key Takeaways

NBI cybercrime investigative assistance is available to the general public.
The NBI states that filing the complaint and investigative assistance carry no fee.
Initial intake includes a complaint sheet and preliminary interview.
Complainants and witnesses may execute sworn statements or submit prepared affidavits.
Relevant devices and supporting documents may be examined or collected as part of the investigation.
Regional Cybercrime Centers can handle cases outside Manila.

Decision Snapshot

Stage	What happens
Complaint intake	You explain the incident and complete the complaint sheet.
Preliminary interview	An NBI agent or investigator assesses the facts.
Sworn statement	You and relevant witnesses may execute sworn statements or submit affidavits.
Evidence review	Documents, screenshots, transaction records and relevant devices may be examined.
Investigation	The case may be assigned for further investigation and evidence gathering.

Where Do You File?

For Metro Manila cases, complainants may proceed to the NBI and be referred to the appropriate investigative unit. Regional and district offices also accept walk-in complaints. The NBI states that written complaints may also be submitted when personal appearance is not possible. See the NBI public guidance on filing complaints.

What Should You Bring?

The Cybercrime Division Citizens Charter lists no mandatory checklist item for initial access to the service, but a stronger complaint should bring all available evidence: screenshots, full conversations, URLs, usernames, account IDs, transaction references, email headers, bank or e-wallet records, device details, and a chronology of events.

Use Cybercode’s Electronic Evidence Preservation Philippines guide before altering or deleting anything.

What Happens During the Interview?

The NBI’s published process says the complainant undergoes a preliminary interview and initial investigation by the agent or investigator on case. The complaint sheet is sworn, and the investigator prepares the request or authority needed for the investigation.

Will the NBI Examine Your Phone or Computer?

It may, when the device is relevant to the complaint and examination is appropriate. Do not reset, wipe or modify the device before asking the investigator what should be preserved.

What Happens After Filing?

Filing is the beginning of the investigative process, not an automatic filing of a criminal case in court. Investigators may verify accounts, preserve data, identify service providers, interview witnesses and seek appropriate legal process where required. Under RA 10175, the NBI and PNP are the law-enforcement authorities responsible for cybercrime investigations. See Section 10 of RA 10175.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost money to file with the NBI Cybercrime Division?

The NBI Citizens Charter lists the service fee as none.

Do I need a lawyer before filing?

No lawyer is listed as a prerequisite for filing the complaint, although legal advice may be useful in complex cases.

Can I file outside Manila?

Yes. NBI regional and district offices can receive complaints, and cybercrime cases may be handled through regional cybercrime centers.

Should I bring screenshots only?

No. Preserve the underlying account, full conversation, transaction records and original files whenever possible.

Related Cybercrime Guides

Related Cybercode Guides

Official Sources

General educational information only.