What case do I file against someone who threatens me with physical harm online?

In light of recent events where singer and actor Agot Isidro was threatened with an acid attack by a Twitter user, "Kapuso sa Batas" Atty. Gaby Concepcion discussed the possible actions you can take in similar instances where someone online declares that they intend to cause you physical harm.

According to Atty. Concepcion, these menacing messages posted on social media fall under "grave threats" in the Revised Penal Code.

Article 282 Revised Penal Code states:

Any person who shall threaten another with the infliction upon the person, honor or property of the latter or of his family of any wrong amounting to a crime, shall suffer:

1. The penalty next lower in degree than that prescribed by law for the crime be threatened to commit, if the offender shall have made the threat demanding money or imposing any other condition, even though not unlawful, and said offender shall have attained his purpose. If the offender shall not have attained his purpose, the penalty lower by two degrees shall be imposed.

If the threat be made in writing or through a middleman, the penalty shall be imposed in its maximum period.

2. The penalty of arresto mayor and a fine not exceeding 500 pesos, if the threat shall not have been made subject to a condition.

A threat of physical harm against another person is considered a "crime against security" and the perpetrator can be prosecuted even if he does not act upon the threat.

"Kahit na hindi tinuloy ang threat, nagulo na ang isip o katahimikan ng taong object of the threat," Atty. Concepcion shared. "Nabagabag na ang kaniyang seguridad at ito ang pinaparusahan ng batas."

Should the person who made the threat claim that s/he said or posted it as a joke, her or his explanation will still be subject to the scrutiny of the court. 

"Hindi po lahat ng bagay ay nakakalusot dahil joke lamang ito," Atty. Concepcion added, citing Presidential Decree 1727 or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law. — Aya Tantiangco, GMA News