PALIMBANG, Sultan Kudarat — A member of the LGBTQ community who allegedly posed as a woman and married a 20-year-old man in a Muslim wedding ceremony in Barangay Malisbong may face possible criminal complaints related to fraud and deception, according to local officials.
Palimbang Vice Mayor Joenemi Kapina said the municipal government has already referred the matter to the police for proper investigation and urged all parties involved to pursue legal remedies to prevent tensions from escalating within the community.
In an interview, Kapina said the incident has deeply affected the family of the groom and stirred strong reactions within the predominantly Muslim community, where marriage or “Nikah” is considered sacred under Islamic teachings.
“The local government is leaving the matter to the proper authorities while encouraging both sides to follow the legal process,” Kapina said.
Authorities said the wedding ceremony reportedly took place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Barangay Malisbong. The individual involved is now under police custody while investigators determine possible charges that may be filed.
According to initial accounts, the groom allegedly only later discovered that the person he married was biologically male. Local officials said the incident prompted concerns not only from the family involved but also from community elders and religious leaders because of the cultural and religious implications surrounding Islamic marriage traditions.
The municipal government has reportedly coordinated with the Philippine National Police and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide assistance, including psychosocial support, to the young man who was described by officials as emotionally distressed by the incident.
Some circulating social media narratives claimed that the couple met through the online game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and maintained a relationship for several months before the wedding. However, many of these accounts remain unverified, one-sided, or based on personal anecdotes posted online.
As of this writing, authorities have not publicly released the official identities of those involved, nor have they confirmed several claims circulating on social media regarding the relationship.
Local officials appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to refrain from using hateful or discriminatory language against members of the LGBTQ community while the investigation is ongoing.
The case has since sparked wider discussions online about identity, consent, cultural expectations, religious traditions, and the legal implications of alleged deception in relationships and marriage.
Under Philippine law, legal experts note that any possible criminal liability would still depend on the findings of the police investigation and the evidence to be presented before prosecutors. No formal charges had been announced as of Tuesday evening.