Child bride rescued in South Cotabato

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.

Members of the police Women and Children Protection Center conducted the rescue operation after receiving information from officials of a school where the girl is studying.

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.