NBI “HIT” Status – Reasons and Solution 2025 in Philippines

A criminal record is not always required to apply for NBI clearance and receive an NBI hit status. It may be due to the similarity between your name and the name of someone in the National Bureau of Investigation’s database who has been convicted of a crime.

But don’t worry, NBI won’t arrest you. To clarify suspicious information associated with your name, they will thoroughly review derogatory records. 

We should note that civil cases like ejectments, funds claims, and annulments are not related to the NBI clearance Renewal procedure. In any case, let’s talk about how to get rid of the NBI clearance hit if your name matches a namesake.

When your name matches or closely resembles a name in the NBI database, the system raises a “HIT” flag. This does not prove that you have a criminal record. There are two possible reasons for the flag.

Two Main Reasons for a HIT:

1. Exact Name Match

 A person with the following full name exactly matches yours in the NBI database:

2. Problem of similar names 

There is a strong resemblance between your name and one of these criminals. This causes the NBI to:

The NBI is responsible for investigating and resolving potential name confusion in both instances. 

NBI HITs can be caused by a number of factors, and applicants must understand these reasons. The following are the main reasons why your NBI clearance status might show a HIT:

1. Criminal Record: An applicant with a criminal record or a wanted person listing in the system will trigger a HIT. There could be serious crimes as well as minor offenses included in this category.
2. Pending Case: An applicant’s NBI records name list may reflect a pending case in court. Even if the applicant has not been convicted, this could happen.
3. Similarity of Names: The NBI database may contain namesakes with criminal records or derogatory records, resulting in a HIT. Similar-sounding names or common last names can cause this.
4. Court Decision Pending: If a court decision or ongoing investigation is pending or the applicant has unresolved legal issues, a HIT can be triggered.

Security or System Error: It is possible to receive a HIT despite no criminal record even if the applicant does not have any criminal history.

When your name is similar to someone with a criminal record, the NBI clearance system flags your application, requiring additional verification before approval. Below are the details that need to be checked by the system:

You must provide your full legal name and personal information when applying for NBI clearance. They are used to search the NBI database for possible matches.

You can check your name against the NBI database, which contains records of individuals with pending warrants, criminal cases, or other legal issues.  A “HIT” status is triggered if your name matches someone with a record.

The application goes through a manual verification process if it receives a HIT status. Your case will be reviewed by NBI personnel to determine whether the record truly belongs to you or is just a name match.

If the record is not yours, the HIT status will be cleared, and your NBI clearance will be issued. Nevertheless, if the record belongs to you, further legal procedures, such as a court decision, may be required.

Follow these five steps to get rid of HIT Status while having your NBI Clearance. NBI Clearance HIT status does not mean you are a criminal. It means that NBI specialists are taking serious steps to verify the information on the ground. Follow these five simple steps if you have HIT:

The first step to resolving your NBI clearance is to show up on the appointed date. Bring two valid IDs and dress appropriately—avoid wearing slippers, sandals, or shorts. Make sure you carry both the original and photocopies of all relevant documents.

Your next step will be to fill out an Affidavit of Denial. Whenever a criminal case is filed against someone with the same name as yours, this document confirms that the person is not you.

You will now receive an Affidavit of Denial to complete. You must file an affidavit of denial if a criminal case is filed against you with the same name as yours. The document confirms that you are not the person involved in the criminal case.

You must take an oath before a lawyer once you have completed the Affidavit of Denial. Your personal information will be verified during this process. As well as the release date of your NBI clearance, you will be notified.

Once you have completed the process, you must go to the releasing and printing area to obtain your NBI clearance. You will be directed to the court to obtain deposition clearance if you have pending cases. 

A “Hit” on your NBI clearance status indicates that you may have a criminal record. In most cases, this results in a waiting period of five to ten days. NBI researchers will carefully check whether the record belongs to you or if it’s from someone with a similar name.

You won’t have to pay extra fees once NBI officials confirm that the “Hit” was caused by a namesake, not you. Upon returning to the NBI office after the waiting period, you will be able to claim your clearance without any problems.

After verifying that it is indeed your criminal record, you will be asked to attend an “NBI Clearance Quality Control Interview.” This interview allows NBI agents to examine your case more closely and verify your identity.

If you have already been cleared of any previous criminal cases, don’t panic. An interview is simply a way to confirm your identity. As long as you are not a wanted criminal, everything should be fine. Make sure the information you provide is accurate and stay calm.

Your NBI clearance might be flagged with a HIT status if you have a pending case, as the NBI system detects ongoing cases in its database. You will still need to undergo further verification and investigation to receive a police clearance, but it won’t automatically disqualify you. 

The court certificate or other legal documents may be required to resolve the HIT status and issue the clearance.

You can explain your situation and clear up any issues with your NBI clearance during the quality control interview. You must follow these tips if you intend to interview for NBI clearance HIT status:

It is important to maintain a good appearance. Dress neatly in formal clothing to show respect for the interview. Wearing casual or flashy clothes might give the wrong impression. You will gain respect and trust from the interviewers if you look presentable.

The interview will go smoothly if you have the right documents. Bring the following:

Make sure you arrive at the location on time as stated on your receipt. Being on time demonstrates your seriousness and respect for the process. Maintain a calm and composed attitude when you arrive. The most important thing in an interview is being honest and open about your situation.

We do not want you to feel uncomfortable during the quality control interview, but rather to double-check and confirm your information. Prepare for the interview by:

By following these steps, you will be able to clear your NBI clearance HIT status and handle the NBI clearance quality control interview with confidence.

You can clear your NBI clearance HIT status by following these steps. Be honest, present all the important documents, and avoid delays.

It is possible to resolve an NBI clearance HIT status with proper preparation. Be sure to bring a valid government ID, a birth certificate from the National Statistics Office, and proof of any name variations. Arrive early, be patient, and follow instructions carefully from the NBI staff. You will need to provide additional documentation to verify your identity and to clear up any confusion regarding your name as soon as possible.

Verifying your identity may require additional documentation, such as court certifications or affidavits. You can receive your NBI clearance in a timely manner by being proactive, organized, and cooperative.