MANILA, Philippines - Folk music icon Freddie Aguilar chose to end controversies against his relationship with a 16-year-old girl.
Aguilar and his fiancé are tying the knot in Maguindanao Friday under Muslim rites to be officiated by Maguindanao Gov. Esmael "Toto" Mangundadatu, an English tabloid reported.
Philippine civil laws prohibit minors marrying, but Presidential Decree 1083 or the Muslim Family Code allows such union as long as the bride has had menstruation. Prophet Mohammed similarly married a teenager when he was over 50 years old.
Mangundadatu said in the report that Aguilar, who was raised a Catholic, was inclined to embrace Islam even before meeting his would-be wife. The bride will turn 17 on November 29.
The girl and the 60-year-old "Anak" singer will wear traditional Muslim attires for the ceremony, while Aguilar would be called by his new Muslim name "Abdul Farid" in light of his conversion, a radio report said.
Social media, meanwhile, are already abuzz with Aguilar's impending marriage.
Ay nko Freddie. Afterthought no? My bestfrend is a Muslim. So, I genuinely hope u'll give Islam the respect it deserves. I guess, congrats?
— Annie Frida K. Chua (@call_me_freedz) November 22, 2013 Ka Freddie Aguilar is allegedly set 2 marry his 16-y/o old girlfriend in Muslim rites 2day. To which ppol said, "Anak, ba't ka nagkaganyan?"
— Mark Manalang (@mtjmanalang) November 22, 2013 Earlier, Aguilar was charged with a qualified seduction case over his relationship with a minor.
Related: Freddie faces seduction raps over 16-year-old girlfriend