Child bride rescued in South CotabatoPNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the girl was supposed to marry a 19-year-old man when police rescued her on Saturday. MANILA, Philippines — A 14-year-old girl allegedly forced into an illegal marriage has been rescued in T’boli, South Cotabato, the Philippine National Police reported yesterday. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the girl was supposed to marry a 19-year-old man when police rescued her on Saturday. Nartatez said the parents agreed to place the girl under the custody of the local social welfare and development office after police told them that the law prohibits child marriage. The girl will be provided psychosocial support, intervention programs and reintegration services.

Source: Philippine Star February 10, 2026 16:04 UTC