If you’ve ever applied for an NBI clearance, you might have encountered the term “NBI Clearance HIT” status. But what does it mean, and how does it work?

When you apply for an NBI clearance, the NBI personnel conducts a thorough search in their criminal database, looking for any derogatory records associated with your name. A derogatory record refers to any criminal record or suspicious information tied to your name or a namesake, someone who shares the same name as you.

A “hit” occurs when the search returns a potentially suspicious result. This can happen whether the criminal case is linked to you or your namesake. To clarify and verify the details, the NBI follows a verification process, which might delay the issuance of your clearance.

It’s important to note that civil cases like annulments, ejectments, and funds claims are not part of the NBI clearance database, so they won’t affect your application.

The NBI Criminal Database contains information from various sources, including courts, prosecution services, Ombudsman, Sandiganbayan, police, AFP records, and others. With such a comprehensive database, the NBI rarely misses fugitives with pending criminal cases, making it a vital tool in capturing criminals in hiding.

Receiving a “NBI Clearance HIT” status does not necessarily mean you will end up in jail. The waiting period for applicants with this status ranges from five to ten days while the NBI carefully assesses whether the derogatory records are genuinely associated with you or your namesake.

If the records are linked to a namesake, you can return to the NBI office after the waiting period and claim your clearance without any additional fees. However, if the derogatory records indeed belong to you, the NBI will require you to attend an “NBI Clearance Quality Control Interview.”

During the interview, NBI agents will closely examine your identity. There’s no need to worry if you have been absolved of past criminal cases, except if you’re a fugitive. To prepare for the interview, bring the following requirements:

1. Two valid IDs or documents proving your identity.
2. Original and photocopy of the Court Decision/Certification indicating that the criminal case has been resolved.
3. NBI Clearance Official Receipt and print-out of NBI Clearance online registration/application form.

Once the case is proven to be dismissed, your NBI clearance hit will be issued to you immediately. For applicants with pending cases in courts, the clearance will be granted, but the cases will be reflected in their clearances upon release.

With this understanding, you can navigate the NBI clearance process confidently, knowing how the “NBI Clearance HIT” status works and what to do if you encounter it. Remember, the system is designed to ensure accuracy and security, helping the NBI catch criminals while safeguarding innocent individuals from any potential confusion.