INVESTIGATING THEFT

AND ROBBERY, AND

ANTI-FENCING CASES
LESSON OBJECTIVES:

● Review legal basis governing theft,

fencing and robbery cases
● Differentiate the crime of theft, fencing
and robbery
WHAT IS THEFT?
Essential Elements:
Taking of personal property
Intent to gain
Definition: Taking
Without consent of the owner
another’s personal
No violence, intimidation, or force
property without violence,
intimidation, or force upon
things.
Legal Basis: Article 308 of
the Revised Penal Code.
WHAT IS THEFT?
Penalties for Theft (Art. 309)
Modes of Committing Theft Based on value of stolen item
Simple theft (unauthorized Penalties range from arresto
taking) menor to reclusion temporal
Failure to return lost property Special case: Theft from National
Malicious damage followed Library or Museum (Art. 311)
by taking
Illegal gathering from private
land/field
WHAT IS ROBBERY? Penalties for Robbery (Art. 294)
Based on results and injuries
Definition: Taking of caused
personal property with May lead to reclusion perpetua
violence or intimidation. to death if homicide or rape is
Legal Basis: Article 294 of involved
the Revised Penal Code. Lesser injuries = lesser penalties
Key Difference: Robbery
involves force or threats,
theft does not.
ANTI-FENCING LAW
(PD 1612)
Penalties under PD 1612
Definition of
Based on value of stolen property
Fencing: Dealing in stolen
Ranges from arresto
items knowingly or with
mayor to reclusion temporal
reason to know
Penalties may include fines
Fencer: Anyone who
buys, sells, possesses, or
conceals stolen property
Intent to gain is required
ACTIVITY
“Crime or Not?” – Classification
Challenge
Instructions:
Divide the class into small groups (3–5 members per group).
Provide each group with a set of 10 real-life inspired case scenarios (included below).
Each group will:
Identify the crime: Is it Theft, Robbery, Fencing, or Not a Crime?
Justify their answer by citing the relevant provision (e.g., Article 308, 294, or PD 1612).
Assign the correct penalty, using the appropriate article and value brackets.

Discussion:
Each group presents 1–2 scenarios.
Instructor clarifies or elaborates on misconceptions.
Wrap-up with key takeaways on how each crime differs.
ACTIVITY
“Crime or Not?” –
Classification Challenge

Output:
Each group prepares a brief table or presentation:

Crime Penalty
Scenario No. Legal Basis Justification
Committed Range
A. Theft
B. Robbery with Violence
C. Robbery through Force Upon Things
D. Fencing
1.Criminals used picklocks to open the back door of a store and
steal expensive electronics.
2. Ramon was delivering money for his employer when two men hit
him with a metal pipe, grabbed the bag of cash, and fled.
3. Marco purchased brand-new laptops at a very low price from
someone with no receipts, knowing they were stolen from a
warehouse, and later sold them to his friends.
4.A burglar broke a window to get inside a house and took several
pieces of jewelry.
5.Armed men entered a convenience store at night, ordered the
cashier to open the register, and took all the cash while pointing
a gun at her.
A. Theft
B. Robbery with Violence
C. Robbery through Force Upon Things
D. Fencing
6.Thieves entered a warehouse by climbing through a small
ventilation opening.
7. An online seller was discovered to be regularly buying and
reselling jewelry stolen from various burglary incidents.
8. While Maria was shopping in the grocery, a man stealthily
slipped her wallet out of her bag without her noticing.
9. Posing as police officers, two men entered a home claiming to
conduct an “inspection,” but instead took cash and valuables.
10. Ana left her phone near her dormitory window. A construction
worker noticed the window open, then proceeds to insert his hand
through the window to get the cellphone.
INVESTIGATING THEFT
AND ROBBERY, AND
ANTI-FENCING CASES
LESSON OBJECTIVES:

● Discuss the procedure in investigating the

crime of theft, fencing, and robbery
● Apply the rules in filing complaints and/or
information related to theft, fencing and
robbery
 STAGES IN THE
CRIME COMMISSION OF
intentional CRIME
commission of Consummated – All parts
an act usually of the crime are
deemed completed.
Frustrated – The crime
socially harmful
was nearly done, but
or dangerous failed.
and specifically Attempted – Started
defined, doing the crime but didn’t
prohibited, and finish it.
punishable
under criminal
law.
 PROCEDURES
CRIMINAL
Initial Complaint – Receiving a
INVESTIGATION report about a crime.
Planning – Deciding how to
Gathering facts investigate.
and evidence Interviewing – Talking to
about a crime witnesses and victims.
Examining Scene – Searching
for clues at the crime location.
OBJECTIVES Arresting – Taking the suspect
into custody.
Confirm a crime Reporting – Making a report for
happened prosecutors.
Identify who did it
Arrest the suspect
Prove the crime in court
 Filing a Complaint

Complaint – A sworn statement accusing someone

of a crime.

Preliminary Investigation
FILING OF CRIMINAL
CASES Preliminary Investigation – Checking if there's
enough reason to charge someone.

Filing of Information

Information – The formal charge filed in court by

the prosecutor.
 Judgment

Judgment – The final decision of the court.

FILING OF CRIMINAL Trial

CASES Trial – The court hears evidence and decides if the

accused is guilty.

Judgment

Judgment – The final decision of the court.

 Complaint – Filed by a private person or officer.

Information – Filed by a prosecutor in court.

Prosecutor's Role – Controls the criminal case.

RULE 110 – KEY Sufficiency – Must include name, offense, date,

PROVISIONS and place.

Filing Place – Must be where the crime

happened.

Amendments – Changes to
complaint/information before trial.

Offended Party’s Role – Can join the

prosecution through a lawyer.
ACTIVITY
Prosecution Puzzle Challenge

Task Instructions for Students:

Using this scenario, work in groups to:
Identify and arrange the proper steps in the criminal prosecution process from the filing of the complaint up to
judgment.
Write a 1–2 sentence explanation of what happens in each step as it applies to this specific case.
Prepare to present and explain your answer to the class.

Scenario: “The Missing Motorcycle”

Background:
Mr. Juan Dela Cruz parked his motorcycle outside a convenience store in Quezon City at around 6:30 PM. When he
came out just 10 minutes later, the motorcycle was gone. CCTV footage later showed a man wearing a black jacket
driving off with the motorcycle.
Mr. Dela Cruz immediately reported the incident to the police. A few days later, a suspect, Leo Santos, was arrested
after he was seen driving the same motorcycle in another barangay. The police recovered the motorcycle and turned it
over to its owner. Mr. Dela Cruz positively identified the suspect in a police lineup.
ACTIVITY
Prosecution Puzzle Challenge

Example Output (Expected Flow):

Filing of Complaint – Mr. Dela Cruz files a complaint with the local police station regarding the stolen
motorcycle.
Preliminary Investigation – The Prosecutor evaluates the evidence, including CCTV footage and Mr.
Dela Cruz’s affidavit, to determine probable cause.
Filing of Information – Once probable cause is established, the Prosecutor files the formal charge in
court against Leo Santos.
Arraignment and Pre-Trial – Leo Santos is brought before the court, informed of the charge of theft, and
enters a plea. Pre-trial is scheduled to discuss evidence and simplify the trial process.
Trial – The court hears testimony from Mr. Dela Cruz, the arresting officers, and witnesses. The defense
also presents its side.
Judgment – After reviewing the evidence, the judge renders a decision and issues a verdict based on
the facts of the case.
ACTIVITY
Prosecution Puzzle Challenge

Scenario: “A Fight at the Night Market”

Background:
During a busy Friday evening at the Bacolod Night Market, a heated
argument broke out between two vendors, Mario Reyes and Noel Cruz, over
a customer. The fight escalated, and Noel pulled out a metal pipe, hitting
Mario in the head. Bystanders called for help, and barangay tanods
intervened.
Mario was brought to the hospital and treated for serious physical injuries. A
witness captured the assault on video. Mario later filed a formal complaint at
the police station.
Noel was arrested two days later at his residence.
INVESTIGATING
BOMBING AND
EXPLOSION CASES 1
LESSON OBJECTIVES:

● Review legal basis governing bombing

and explosion cases
PD 1866

Penalizes illegal possession,

manufacture, or dealing in firearms and
explosives. Section 4: Requires law enforcement officials
Initially criticized for being too harsh to appear in court or face penalties.
even on minor offenses. Revised PD Section 4-A: Harsh punishment for planting
1866 with more specific penalties. evidence.
Key Points: Section 4-B to 4-F:
Section 3: Reclusion perpetua for Continuous trial policy.
unlawful possession of explosives. Licensing required for importing/selling
Section 3-A: Punishes possession of explosive chemicals.
parts or tools used for making Recordkeeping and inspection
explosives. regulations.
Section 3-B to 3-D: Includes liability
of business owners, links with other
crimes, and double jeopardy.
 PD 1727
Summary of Legal Penalties
Possession of explosives –
Reclusion perpetua.
Possession of tools/parts –
Reclusion perpetua. Bomb Threats and False
False threats – Up to 5 years and/or Information
P40,000 fine. Declares it illegal to
Failure to testify (gov't agents) – spread false bomb
Reclusion temporal + fines. threats.
Penalty: Up to 5 years
imprisonment or P40,000
fine (or both).
No bail allowed; handled
by military courts.
ACTIVITY:
LEGAL MATCHING

Provide each group with 3–5 fictional case scenarios involving crimes related to explosives, such as:
A person caught with a Molotov cocktail.
A factory storing ammonium nitrate without a license.
A student who spread a false bomb threat on social media.
Alongside the cases, provide summaries or excerpts from PD 1866, RA 9516, and PD 1727.
Groups must:
Identify which law(s) apply to each case.
Explain the legal violation using a short paragraph.
Indicate the possible penalty based on the law.

Scenario:
Scenario: Police found homemade explosives and wiring tools in a warehouse. The owner claims he didn’t know the
materials could be used for bombs.
Task: Identify the relevant law. Is he liable? What legal provision supports your answer?
INVESTIGATING
BOMBING AND
EXPLOSION CASES 2
LESSON OBJECTIVES:

● Discuss the procedure in investigating

bombing and explosion cases
● Apply the rules in filing complaint and/or
information related to bombing and explosion
cases
 Desk Officer Responsibilities:
Log source information in the police blotter
1. Name of the source
2. Contact information of the source
3. Exact location of the incident
4. Time and date of the incident
5. Details of the incident
SPECIFIC
INVESTIGATIVE Notify the Chief of Police
Dispatch first responders
PROCEDURES Alert emergency support agencies (Bomb
Squad, EMS, Fire, etc.)
Report actions taken to superiors
 Agencies to Coordinate With:
EOD Team – Explosives disposal
SOCO – Scene processing
Fire Services – Fire suppression
SPECIFIC EMS – Medical aid
Engineering/Utility – Structural and utility
INVESTIGATIVE safety
Other Agencies – Red Cross, NDCC, etc.
PROCEDURES
ROLE OF FIRST
RESPONDERS/ KEY INFORMATION
INVESTIGATORS FOR BOMB THREATS
Duties Upon Arrival:
Record dispatch info
Assess and confirm incident Important Data to Collect:
Notify desk and commander Time of call or discovery
Do not disturb evidence Nature of the threat (verbal, written,
Wait for EOD; preserve scene package)
Evacuate injured; maintain Source's credibility (first- or
crowd control second-hand info)
Description of suspicious item
 KEY INFORMATION
KEY INFORMATION FOR EXPLODED
FOR UNEXPLODED DEVICE
Post-Explosion Details to Gather:
DEVICE
Device-Specific Questions: Time and sound of detonation
Size, shape, container Blast force and direction
presence Color of smoke and flame
Vehicle involvement Odor of gases
Trigger method (timer, remote, Identify and record responders
victim-initiated, etc.) No public statements unless by
Source's knowledge of official spokesperson
explosives
Drawings/sketches and
packaging details
POST-BOMB THREAT ANALYZING THE BOMB
ASSESSMENT THREAT CALL
Analyzing the Bomb Threat Call
Investigator’s First Action: Key Aspects to Record:
Conduct a detailed interview with Gender and estimated age of caller
the person who received the bomb Exact words used in the threat
threat. Reason or motive indicated
Information to Collect: Voice characteristics (tone, pitch,
Name and contact of the speed)
recipient Any familiar elements (did it sound like
Date, time, and call duration someone known?)
Number of calls received Caller’s possible familiarity with the area
Threat language (direct, veiled, coded,
etc.)
MOTIVE, LEADS AND RECOVERY OR SEIZURE
CASE BUILDING OF EXPLOSIVES
Determine the motive by
Initial Procedures:
profiling the target (person,
Interview witnesses
company, or location)
Request Bomb Squad/EOD to
Investigate known suspects (if
extract samples
any)
Submit samples to the Crime
If evidence is sufficient → File
Lab for testing
appropriate criminal charges
Document and photograph items
If no lead → Document
information for future
intelligence
CASE PREPARATION EVIDENCE CUSTODY
PROTOCOL
If Evidence is Solid: Non-Explosive Items:
Determine the suspect’s Items like batteries, timers, wires →
motive Crime Lab custody
File charges for illegal Explosive Materials:
possession of explosives Items like military ordnance,
Request court order blasting caps → PNP Bomb Squad
for disposal of explosives custody
Custodian must sign the Evidence
Chain of Custody Form
 DISPOSAL OF EXPLOSIVE
EVIDENCE
Who Conducts Disposal:
In Absence of PNP Bomb
Only authorized Bomb Squad/EOD
Squad
teams
Alternative Custody:
Procedure:
AFP EOD Team may act as
Must be witnessed by PNP
custodian
investigators and Crime Lab
They must also sign the
Prepare a disposal report with
custody form to maintain
photographic documentation
chain of custody
ACTIVITY:
THREAT REPORT ANALYSIS:
INVESTIGATIVE DECISION-MAKING
DRILL
Instructions:
Form small groups (3–5 participants per group).
Provide each group with a brief scenario (see sample below).
Ask them to answer guided questions based on the
investigation procedures they have learned.
Each group presents their response in 5–7 minutes.
ACTIVITY:
THREAT REPORT ANALYSIS:
INVESTIGATIVE DECISION-MAKING
Scenario:
DRILL A secretary at a private university receives a bomb threat via phone at 10:35 a.m. The male caller
states in a calm tone:
“There’s a bomb in the auditorium. It’s set to go off at noon. Tell your boss this is for firing my
brother.”
The call lasted 45 seconds. The secretary believes the caller may be a former employee. The
auditorium is hosting a student assembly in 45 minutes.

Guided Questions for Groups:

What immediate actions should the police investigator take after the area is declared safe by the
bomb squad?
What specific information should be gathered from the secretary?
Based on the call, what details can help identify the suspect?
What evidence (physical or testimonial) would be valuable for filing charges?
If no suspect is identified, how should the gathered information be used?
RESOURCE PAGE
CRI 176: SPECIALIZED CRIME INVESTIGATION

INVESTIGATING
TRAFFICKING IN
PERSONS CASES
MODULE # 12
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Discuss the crime of trafficking

• Enumerate crimes under the scope of trafficking
INTRODUCTION TO TRAFFICKING

• Trafficking is a human rights violation.

• Governed by RA 9208 and RA 10364

Consists of 3 Elements:
• Acts
• Means
• Purpose
ELEMENTS OF TRAFFICKING

Element Description
ACT Recruitment, transport, transfer, harboring

MEANS Threat, coercion, deception, abuse of power

PURPOSE Exploitation (sexual, labor, organ trade, etc.)

GOVERNING LAW – RA 10364

RA 10364 expands RA 9208

• Focused on women and children

• Establishes institutional mechanisms and penalties
SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS

(a) Trafficking in Persons

(b) Child

(c) Prostitution

(d) Forced Labor

SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS

(e) Slavery

(f) Involuntary Servitude

(g) Sex Tourism

(h) Sexual Exploitation

SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS

(i) Debt Bondage

(j) Pornography

(k) Council
IACAT
SEC. 4. ACTS OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

• Recruiting for prostitution or sexual exploitation

• Child trafficking for armed conflict or pornography

• Organ trade

• Simulated adoptions

• Exploitation through fake marriages

COMPARISON WITH OTHER CRIMES
SEC. 6. QUALIFIED TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

• Trafficked person is a child

• Offense committed by a syndicate or public officer

• Victim suffers from HIV, death, or mutilation

• Adoption for exploitative purposes

EXAMPLES

Fake job offer abroad → victim forced into sex trade

Child adopted from orphanage → forced labor in household

Online relationship → woman sold to foreign "husband"

ACTIVITY

Instructions:
I need you to identify whether the following acts can be
considered as human trafficking or not based on the acts
provided. If you think it can be considered as an act of
trafficking then you write “HUMAN”, if not you write
“TRAFFICKING” on your paper.
ACTIVITY

______ 1. Illegal recruitment to work abroad

______ 2. Adopting a child for sexual exploitation
______ 3. Drug selling
______4. Forcing a women to marry a foreigner to engage
in prostitution
______ 5. Adopting a child to engage in pornography
ACTIVITY

______ 6. Offering tourism packages with the sole intention

of making them as prostitutes
______ 7. Unlawfully selling a firearm to prostitution houses
______ 8. The mother is forcing her daughter to take nude
photos of herself for profit
______ 9. Altering a document to appear that a child is a
natural born Filipino citizen
______ 10. Transporting a child to foreign nations in order
to sell his kidney.
ANSWER KEY

1. HUMAN
2. HUMAN
3. TRAFFICKING
4. HUMAN
5. HUMAN
6. HUMAN
7. TRAFFICKING
8. HUMAN
9. TRAFFICKING
10. HUMAN
REFERENCES

References:
Review Relevant Law / Special Laws
Use of textbooks: https://legalresource.ph /https://lawphil.net/
CRI 176: SPECIALIZED CRIME INVESTIGATION

INVESTIGATING
TRAFFICKING
CASES (PART 2)
MODULE # 13
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Discuss the procedure in investigating trafficking cases

• Apply the rules in filing complaints related to trafficking in
persons
OVERVIEW OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Definition: Human trafficking involves compelling someone

through force, fraud, or coercion to perform labor or
commercial sex acts.

Types of coercion:
• Physical
• Psychological
• Subtle or overt
IMPORTANCE OF CONFIDENTIALITY

Law Referenced: Section 7 of R.A. No. 9208

• Identities of informants and victims must

remain confidential
• Closed-door investigations may be
ordered
• Unlawful to publicize victim’s identity
without written, notarized consent
WHO MUST MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY?

• Law enforcement officers

• Prosecutors

• Judges and court personnel

• Social workers and medical practitioners

• The media and public

SEC.8. INITIATION AND PROSECUTION OF CASES

(a) INITIATION OF INVESTIGATION

• Triggered by victim's statement or affidavit

• Law enforcement must immediately act

• Counter-trafficking intelligence must begin ASAP

SEC.8. INITIATION AND PROSECUTION OF CASES

(b) PROSECUTION OF CASES (Who Can File A Complaint?)

• The trafficked person • Children

• Parents • Legal guardian

• Spouse • Anyone with personal

knowledge
• Siblings
SEC.8. INITIATION AND PROSECUTION OF CASES

(c) AFFIDAVIT OF DESISTANCE

• Victim cannot withdraw case via affidavit

• Prosecutors must object to dismissal

• Coercion to secure desistance is punishable

PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD (SECTION 12)

Normal trafficking: 10 years

Syndicated/large-scale: 20 years

Period starts: when victim escapes or is freed

• Filing interrupts the period
TYPES OF EVIDENCE

a) Testimonial – affidavits from victim and witnesses

b) Documentary – contracts, travel docs, reports

c) Object – devices used in crime

d) Other relevant evidence

PROSECUTION PROCESS

• Filing of complaint = beginning of prosecution

• Victim or authorized person initiates

• Government pursues criminal charges

SUMMARY & KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Confidentiality is crucial for victim safety

• Multiple parties can initiate a case

• Evidence is key to successful prosecution

• Affidavit of desistance is not enough to drop a case

• Know the prescriptive timelines

ACTIVITY

1. Why is confidentiality so important in trafficking cases?

1. What can happen if a case is filed beyond the

prescriptive period?

1. Can a case continue even if the victim backs out? Why

or why not?
REFERENCES

References:
Review Relevant Law / Special Laws / Use of textbooks
https://lawphil.net