A TIMELY police intervention prevented a 14-year-old girl from being forced into an illegal marriage with a fellow tribesman in T’boli, South Cotabato.
The operation was triggered by a report that the minor was about to be forced into an impending marriage to a 19-year-old male from Sitio Datal Bila in Bgy. Tudok.
According to Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., his men acted promptly to uphold the law and safeguard the welfare of the minor.
Prior to that, school authorities reported to the local police last Friday that the girl was about to be forced into a “pamamanhikan” (a traditional Filipino practice involving a formal marriage proposal and arrangement between families) with an older student.
Recognizing the urgency, the report was immediately relayed to the T’boli Municipal Police Station through its Women and Children Protection Desk, which coordinated with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, their planned action.
Last Saturday, local police officers and MSWDO staff members conducted a rescue operation at the family’s residence.
Authorities explained the provisions of Republic Act 11596, also known as “An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof,” and Municipal Ordinance No. 198, Series of 2023, which unequivocally bans child marriage.
Following the operation, the minor was placed under the care of the MSWDO, where she is currently receiving psychosocial support, intervention programs, 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,” said Nartatez.
“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,” he added.
Under RA 11596, any person who marries or facilitates the marriage of a child below 18 years old faces imprisonment of 12 years and one day up to 20 years, with fines reaching P5,000,000.
Parents, guardians, or individuals who consent to, arrange, or encourage child marriage may be penalized with imprisonment of 8 years and one day up to 12 years, and fines of up to P1,000,000.
Solemnizing officers, including priests, pastors, imams, judges, and others authorized to officiate marriages, may also face imprisonment of 12 years and one day up to 20 years, fines of up to P5,000,000, and administrative sanctions such as suspension or revocation of their licenses. Any marriage involving a minor is 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.
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