A 14-year-old girl was rescued after she was allegedly forced into an illegal marriage with a 19-year-old student in Barangay Tudok, Tboli, South Cotabato.

Police said school authorities reported that the girl was about to be forced into an impending “pamamanhikan” with an older student on February 6, 2026. Pamamanhikan is a traditional Filipino practice involving a formal marriage proposal and arrangement between families.

The next day, police officers and personnel of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) conducted a rescue operation at the family’s residence.

The operating team explained the provisions of Republic Act 11956 or “An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof” and a municipal ordinance, which bans child marriage.

The girl rescued was placed under MSWDO’s care, where she received psychosocial support and other interventions and reintegration services to restore her well-being and protect her rights.

“Child marriage has no place in our society. This rescue demonstrates that PNP will act decisively to uphold the law and protect the vulnerable,” Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said.

“The law is clear, and we will enforce it without hesitation to ensure that minors are kept safe. Hindi natin papayagan na masira ang kinabukasan ng mga bata dahil sa ilegal na gawain,” Nartatez added.

Under the law, any person who marries or facilitates the marriage of a child below 18 years old will face imprisonment ranging from 12 to 20 years, along with fines that may reach up to P5 million.

Police added that parents or individuals who consent to, arrange, or encourage child marriage may also face penalties of eight to 12 years of imprisonment and fines of up to P1 million.

Solemnizing officers, including priests, pastors, imams, judges, and others authorized to officiate marriages, may also be held liable and face imprisonment of 12 to 20 years, fines of up to P5 million, and administrative sanctions such as suspension or revocation of their licenses if found to have officiated a child marriage.

Authorities said the law declares any marriage involving a minor as null and void.

“Every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment. We call on the community to report any suspected cases of child marriage. Ang agarang pagsumbong sa awtoridad ay mahalaga upang maprotektahan ang mga bata laban sa pinsala at pang-aabuso,” Nartatez said.