T’boli, South Cotabato — The T’boli Municipal Police Station, through its Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), successfully rescued a minor who was a victim of child marriage during a joint operation in Barangay Tudok, T’boli, South Cotabato.
The rescue operation was conducted as part of the strict enforcement of Republic Act No. 11596, also known as the Anti-Child Marriage Law, which prohibits the marriage of individuals below 18 years old. Authorities acted swiftly after receiving information about the case, leading to the safe recovery of the child and her immediate removal from a harmful situation.
Following the operation, the minor was placed under the care and protection of the MSWDO, where she is now receiving proper intervention, psychosocial support, and necessary services to ensure her safety, recovery, and overall well-being. Social workers are also working closely with the child to help her reintegrate into a supportive and protective environment.
The T’boli Municipal Police Station emphasized that child marriage is a serious violation of Philippine law and carries severe criminal penalties. Police officials stressed that any marriage involving a minor is considered null and void under RA 11596 and has no legal effect. The law aims to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and practices that hinder their physical, emotional, and educational development.
Under the Anti-Child Marriage Law, individuals who marry or facilitate the marriage of a child below 18 years old may face imprisonment ranging from 12 years and one day to 20 years, along with fines of up to ₱5 million. Parents, guardians, or any person who consents to, arranges, or encourages child marriage may be punished with imprisonment of eight years and one day to 12 years and fines of up to ₱1 million. Solemnizing officers, including priests, pastors, imams, judges, and other authorized individuals who officiate such marriages, may also face the same maximum penalties and administrative sanctions, including suspension or revocation of their licenses.
Police authorities reiterated that the successful rescue in Barangay Tudok reflects the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and welfare. Through the combined efforts of the WCPD and MSWDO, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in preventing child marriage and responding promptly to reported cases.
The T’boli Municipal Police Station also appealed to the public to remain watchful and actively cooperate with authorities by reporting any suspected incidents of child marriage. Early reporting, police officials said, plays a crucial role in preventing further harm and ensuring the protection of vulnerable children.
“This operation serves as a strong reminder that child marriage has no place in our society,” the police said in a statement. “We will continue to strictly enforce the law and work with our partners to protect every child from abuse and exploitation.”
Authorities assured the community that intensified monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and coordinated interventions will continue as part of their long-term efforts to uphold the Anti-Child Marriage Law and promote a safe and nurturing environment for all children in T’boli and the wider province of South Cotabato.