Police in T’boli, South Cotabato, rescued a 14-year-old girl from a planned child marriage following a report from school authorities, the Philippine National Police said.
The intervention took place in Sitio Datal Bila, Barangay Tudok, where the minor was reportedly about to be forced into a pamamanhikan, a traditional family meeting to arrange marriage, with a 19-year-old. The report was relayed Feb. 6, 2026, to the T’boli Municipal Police Station’s Women and Children Protection Desk in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.
On Feb. 7, police officers and social workers conducted a rescue operation at the family’s residence. Authorities informed those involved about Republic Act 11596, which prohibits child marriage and imposes penalties, and Municipal Ordinance No. 198, Series of 2023, which bans the practice locally.
The minor was placed under the care of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and is receiving psychosocial support, intervention programs and reintegration services.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the rescue showed the police would enforce the law to protect minors and vulnerable individuals. He urged communities to report suspected child marriage cases promptly.
Under RA 11596, anyone who marries or facilitates the marriage of a person below 18 years old faces imprisonment ranging from 12 years and one day to 20 years and fines up to 5 million pesos. Parents or guardians who consent or arrange such marriages may face eight to 12 years in prison and fines up to 1 million pesos. Officiants may face similar penalties and administrative sanctions.
Police said the operation reflected efforts to strengthen community coordination and respond quickly to reported violations.
