Below is a comprehensive overview of the legal context in the Philippines regarding threats and harassment by an ex-partner, along with relevant laws, available legal remedies, and steps that victims may take to protect themselves. This discussion centers on Philippine statutes and procedures, but please remember that this is for general informational purposes only and not legal advice. For personalized guidance, it is best to consult a qualified Philippine attorney.

1. Key Philippine Laws Addressing Threats and Harassment

1.1. Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9262)

Scope and Coverage
RA 9262 (often referred to as VAWC Law) provides protection to women and their children who are victims of violence, harassment, or threats by a spouse, ex-spouse, partner, ex-partner, or any person with whom the woman has a dating relationship or has a child.
Definition of Violence
The law broadly defines violence as “physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse,” which includes threats, intimidation, and harassment directed at the woman or her child.
Psychological Violence
Under RA 9262, psychological violence includes causing mental or emotional suffering, intimidation, harassment, stalking, damage to property, public ridicule, or repeated verbal abuse.
Protections Provided
1. Barangay Protection Order (BPO): A BPO may be obtained from the barangay, requiring the offender to cease committing or threatening acts of harassment or violence.
2. Temporary Protection Order (TPO) and Permanent Protection Order (PPO): Issued by the court, these orders can provide more comprehensive and longer-term relief, such as prohibiting any contact by the offender and granting temporary custody or support arrangements if applicable.

1.2. Revised Penal Code on Threats, Coercion, and Other Forms of Harassment

Grave Threats (Articles 282, 283): If the ex-partner threatens the victim with a felony or causes fear of harm (e.g., threatening bodily harm, property destruction), the victim may lodge a complaint for grave threats.
Light Threats (Article 283): When a threat is less serious but still causes fear or distress (e.g., threatening public shame, minor harm).
Grave Coercions (Article 286): The act of preventing another from doing something not prohibited by law, or compelling another to do something against their will, through violence or intimidation.

1.3. Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313)

Coverage: Addresses gender-based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces, online, and in workplaces. Though it is commonly invoked in public or online harassment situations, it can also apply to an ex-partner’s harassing acts in public or online contexts.
Online Harassment: Specifically covers acts of cyberstalking, malicious or humiliating online posts, and any unwanted sexual or lewd remarks made online.

1.4. Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10175)

Cyberstalking / Cyber Harassment: Sending threatening messages, publishing harmful falsehoods (potentially including libelous statements), or creating multiple fake social media profiles to intimidate or harass a victim may be prosecuted under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Electronic Evidence: Threatening or harassing messages made via email, social media, text messages, or chat applications can be used as evidence in a criminal or civil action under RA 10175.

2. Types of Threats and Harassment by an Ex-Partner

Physical Threats: An ex-partner may threaten physical harm or engage in stalking behaviors such as lurking outside the home, workplace, or common areas.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Repeated messaging (calls, texts, emails) with the intent to intimidate, blackmail, or manipulate.
Economic Harassment: Threatening to withhold financial support (if dependent on ex-partner’s income) or sabotaging employment opportunities.
Online Harassment and Cyberstalking: Using social media to post harmful content, impersonate the victim, or disseminate private photos/videos without consent.

3. Legal Remedies and Protective Measures

3.1. Securing a Protection Order

Barangay Protection Order (BPO):
- Where to File: At the barangay hall in the victim’s place of residence or where the violence occurred.
- Validity: Effective for 15 days; can be extended by the court.
- Scope: Prohibits the respondent (ex-partner) from contacting or harming the victim and may include instructions to stay away from the victim’s home, workplace, or school.
Temporary Protection Order (TPO):
- Where to File: Regional Trial Court or Family Court (where the victim resides or where the offense occurred).
- Validity: 30 days from issuance, extendable until further orders of the court.
- Scope: Can include stay-away orders, child custody arrangements, and financial support orders.
Permanent Protection Order (PPO):
- Issued By: Court after a full hearing.
- Scope: Provides long-term protection, and violation of its conditions can lead to criminal liability.

3.2. Filing a Criminal Complaint

Threats (Grave or Light):
- Where to File:
  - At the nearest police station for initial complaint and blotter.
  - Complaint may be filed with the City or Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation.
- Evidence Needed: Witness statements, text message screenshots, audio/video recordings, or any form of documentation that proves threats or intimidation.
Acts of Lasciviousness / Sexual Harassment (if applicable):
- Where to File: Similar process as threats: police blotter, then prosecution office complaint.
Cyber-related Offenses (Cyber Harassment, Cyberstalking, Online Threats):
- Where to File:
  - National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division or
  - Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group.
- Evidence Collection: Keep screenshots, chat logs, timestamps, and any relevant electronic device used in the communication.

3.3. Civil Actions for Damages

A victim may also file a separate civil case for damages if they have suffered mental anguish, fright, serious anxiety, social humiliation, or similar injuries due to the ex-partner’s threats and harassment.
Basis: Articles 19, 20, and 21 of the New Civil Code on human relations, which provide that any person who causes damage to another in a manner contrary to morals, good customs, or public policy shall be liable for damages.

4. Procedure for Seeking Protection

Document All Incidents: Gather screenshots, text messages, call logs, online posts, police blotter entries, medical reports if there are physical injuries, and any witness testimony.
Seek Assistance from the Barangay: If the harassment is ongoing, the barangay can issue a Barangay Protection Order. The barangay can also mediate certain disputes, but in cases of serious threat or violence, it is better to proceed directly to the authorities (PNP or NBI).
Report to the Police: File a police blotter to create an official record of threats or harassment.
Pursue Legal Complaints: Depending on the nature of the threats:
- File a complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office for RA 9262 violations (psychological or other forms of abuse), threat crimes under the Revised Penal Code, and/or cybercrimes under RA 10175.
- Apply for TPO/PPO through the Regional Trial Court or Family Court.
Coordinate with Support Groups and NGOs: Philippine NGOs that focus on women’s rights (e.g., Women’s Desk at police stations, Gabriela, Women’s Crisis Center) can provide guidance and assistance in filing complaints and securing protection orders.

5. Penalties for Violations

Violation of RA 9262:
- Penalties depend on the type of violence. Psychological violence alone can lead to imprisonment ranging from six years up to twelve years if found guilty, plus possible fines.
Violation of Protection Orders:
- Any willful disobedience to a protection order is punishable by a fine or imprisonment, or both.
- Repeated violations usually carry heavier penalties.
Grave Threats / Light Threats (Revised Penal Code):
- Grave threats can be penalized with imprisonment (prisión mayor) or a fine depending on the severity and nature of the threat.
Cybercrime Violations (RA 10175):
- Acts such as online libel, cyberstalking, and unauthorized recording or distribution of private materials can lead to imprisonment ranging from prisión correccional to prisión mayor, and/or hefty fines.

6. Tips for Personal Safety and Evidence Gathering

Limit Interaction: Reduce direct contact with the ex-partner to minimize conflict. If communication is necessary (e.g., children’s matters), use messaging platforms where conversations are recorded.
Notify Trusted Individuals: Inform friends, family, and neighbors about the harassment or threats so they can help monitor suspicious activity and lend support.
Keep an Incident Journal: Write down dates, times, nature of incidents, and any witnesses. This may serve as supplementary evidence in court or when filing complaints.
Enhance Digital Security: Change passwords frequently, enable two-factor authentication, and check privacy settings on social media.
Seek Professional Help or Counseling: Harassment and threats can cause emotional trauma. Support services, therapists, or crisis hotlines can be critical for emotional well-being.

7. The Role of Local Authorities and Organizations

Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD): Specializes in cases involving women and children. They handle documentation, gather evidence, and can assist in filing legal actions.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division: Oversees cyber-related offenses, including cyber harassment and cyberstalking.
Barangay Officials: Can quickly issue BPOs (Barangay Protection Orders) and facilitate an initial intervention.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Groups like Gabriela or Women’s Crisis Center can offer shelter, psychological counseling, and legal aid or referrals to lawyers experienced in VAWC cases.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can men also file cases under RA 9262?
Technically, RA 9262 is drafted to protect women and their children against intimate partner violence. However, men who experience threats or harassment from an ex-partner can seek recourse under other laws such as the Revised Penal Code on threats/coercion or file civil cases for damages. The Safe Spaces Act also applies without regard to gender.

2. Can I still apply for a Protection Order if I no longer live in the same area as my ex-partner?
Yes. You can file for a TPO or PPO in the Family Court or Regional Trial Court in the place where you currently reside or where the alleged abuse occurred.

3. How quickly can I get a Protection Order?

A Barangay Protection Order can be issued the same day you file your complaint with the barangay official.
A Temporary Protection Order from the court may be issued within 24 hours of the application if the court finds the petition sufficient in form and substance.

4. Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint for threats or harassment?
Though you can file a complaint yourself, having a lawyer can greatly help in understanding your rights, drafting legal pleadings, and representing you during court proceedings. Many NGOs and Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) lawyers can assist individuals who cannot afford private counsel.

Conclusion

Threats and harassment by an ex-partner should never be taken lightly. Philippine law offers various remedies and protections, principally under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262), as well as through provisions in the Revised Penal Code, the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), and the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175). Victims can seek protection orders, file criminal complaints for threats or harassment, and pursue civil remedies for damages.

The support of local authorities—particularly the PNP Women and Children Protection Desk, barangay officials, and specialized NGO services—can be crucial for safety and for navigating the legal process. If you or someone you know is experiencing threats or harassment from an ex-partner, the most immediate steps involve documenting incidents, reporting to the authorities, and ensuring personal safety. When in doubt, consult with a licensed Philippine attorney to obtain legal advice tailored to your situation.