A common requirement in getting a job or immigrating abroad is an NBI Clearance. Application, process, and payment can be made online; during the appointment, it can be done in less than a few hours. Pero yung kinakatakutan ng tao is may “HIT,” kasi mas longer ang process. Here’s a guide on NBI Hit: What To Do When You Have A “HIT” Status.

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One advantage of having a unique or hard-to-spell name is not getting a “HIT” when applying for an NBI Clearance. Ano ba ang HIT? Bakit nag-kakaroon tayo ng HIT? Ano ang gagawing ko kapag na-HIT? We will try to answer those questions below. So read carefully!

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Why do I have “HIT” Status?

There are two reasons why you can have “HIT”

YOU have records or information that are criminal in nature
YOUR NAMESAKE (Kapangalan mo) have records or information that are criminal in nature

The records or information are called “Derogatory Records.” Having that will mostly have a negative impact, especially if you are applying for a job or going abroad.

Usually, the second type is so common. So, if wala kang krimen na naggawa, then you don’t have to worry.

What do you mean by NAMESAKE?

Ka-pangalan. You share the same name, or part of it is the same as those who have derogatory records.

The people who have this are the ones with:

Common Names – Juan, Jose, Maria, etc.
Common Surnames or Middle Names – Dela Cruz, Reyes, Santos, etc.

So, even if you have a mix of a unique name and a common name, you can get “HIT,” too.

I actually have a friend who has two first names – one is common, and the other is not and a common surname. She always gets “HIT.” So even if your name is MARIA XEZILLE SANTOS, if a MARIA SANTOS has a criminal record, you will probably get “HIT.” In case you get married and have another name since your middle name has SANTOS, you will still get “HIT.”

Put this in mind when you are naming babies; even if the other names are super unique, one common name might make him/her have “HIT.”

Where are the criminal records in the database from?

The Courts (Municipal Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Circuit Trial Courts, and Regional Trial Courts)
Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan
Prosecution Service (City & Provincial - Prosecution Offices)
Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines records
Others (Pending Criminal Cases)

What is not included in the database?

Civil cases are not included.

Examples are :

Money claims (small claims less than PHP 300K/400K)
Ejectment
Annulments

What do I do when I have a “HIT”?

If you have a “HIT,” the process will take longer, so you will need to wait more days. It’s usually 5 to 10 working days as the researchers will verify if it’s really under your name. If you have already experienced this, I suggest either of the following:

Schedule 2 weeks ahead of when you need it, if you need it on the 1st week of June, apply before the 3rd week of May to give time for the verification
Bring your old NBI clearance to hasten the process, at least the officer knows that you have already were cleared before
Try filling up that part with prominent features like “Moles on both cheeks”

However, if you have a “Quality Control” remark on your application, then the record appears under your name, and you might need to be interviewed. Read more below.

What is an NBI Clearance Quality Control Interview?

It’s a process where an Agent reviews and verifies your identity thru an interview. It’s to check whether sayo ba talaga yung case or sa kapangalan mo. This is especially true if pareho talaga names nyo and probably the age is a bit near.

You will need to go to the NBI Office and not a remote center (e.g., a mall branch). I’ve heard from experience that this person had an appointment at a mall but was asked to proceed rather at the head NBI Office in the city.

What should I wear for the interview?

Wear the proper and decent attire. It’s a government office, so you might not get in if you wear slippers, sandos, or shorts.

What should I bring for the interview?

2 Valid IDs as required by the NBI
- UMID - Unified Multi-purpose ID (SSS and GSIS)
- Passport
- Philhealth
- Voter's ID or Certificate of Registration
- BIR
- PRC License
- Birth Certificate – PSA Authenticated
- PAG-IBIG ID (not the Loyalty Card)
- Postal ID
- Certification from the Local Civil Registrar
- Certification from Malacañang in connection with indigenous groups, tribal membership, a foundling
- Solo Parent ID
- Company ID – Government Employees
- Police Clearance where the applicant is a resident of the station's jurisdiction
- Marina
- Seaman's Book and SIRV
- School ID with current registration card
- Senior Citizen ID
- Marina
NBI Clearance Official Receipt
On-Line Registration Reference Number
For those with criminal cases with decisions - original and a photocopy

What will I Do During the Interview?

Go to the Quality Control Office
Have an Interview with the agent
If it’s not your record, then you will have an Affidavit of Denial
If it’s your record, then you will have an Affidavit of Admission

What if I get an Affidavit of Denial?

Your clearance will be released immediately to you.

What if I get an Affidavit of Admission?

A copy of the Court Decisions or Certification from the Court will be asked. It’s to know if the case is dismissed or not. If you already know you have one, better prepare the original and photocopy it.

If they are dismissed, a clearance will be released. Should you have pending cases, it’s shown in your NBI Clearance.

Those with criminal cases might have “With Derogatory Records.”

So why do I get “HIT” every time I renew? Even if I have done it countless times?

Because of the one at the top, your namesake has records or information that are criminal in nature.

We have different birthdays, places of birth, especially fingerprints? Why does this still happen?

I can’t really give you a specific answer for that as I’m not from the NBI. I mean, it’s on the database, but I think they are being very careful in handing out NBI clearance. Hassle nga, but we hope it will improve in the near future.

Why is there always a criminal case? Even if it’s dismissed?

A Case is a permanent record even if it’s already dismissed. I think it’s a case of “FORGIVEN, but not FORGOTTEN.”

I was clear last time, but I got “HIT” the next time I applied; why?

From the time you got your NBI clearance to the present, may kapangalan ka na gumawa ng krimen. Wala na tayong magagawa kundi mag-hintay.

What do I to make the process faster in case I get “HIT”?

Keep the personal copy of your past NBI Clearance. Mas mabilis daw yung process kasi na clear na yung record mo the previous time.
Try also filling up the “prominent features,” it might help
Try scheduling at an NBI branch with fewer applicants – my mom actually got “HIT,” and it was in Robinsons Ormoc, but she got her clearance on the same day; she only got interviewed for a few minutes. There were not many people there, so maybe that’s an advantage.

What do so that my children won’t experience this?

Give them a unique name! How?

Combine your names – Wandavy (For Wanda and Vision)
Check Facebook – to see if it’s unique
Use letters like X, Z, Q – e.g., Qyllyn
Use extra letters like H, L - I’m Lyza, so I put an extra H for a Lyzah (haha)
Try a Foreign Language – you can go to Google and enter a word and look for a translation (e.g., for Love – it’s Jacayl in Somali)
Use names of foreign and uncommon places – Kyiv, Ljubljana
Mix it up – instead of John, you can go for Jhon (but that’s still common) so Jhonzyn

Sorry in advance, future kids. T_T

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.