URGENT: Manhunt underway for high school coach accused of taking 16-year-old teen girl

Authorities are searching for a California man who allegedly “ran away” with a teen girl, last seen on Wednesday, after their reported secret romantic relationship was discovered.

CBS reports that 25-year-old Phillip Maglaya, a volunteer wrestling coach at Franklin High School in Stockton, is accused of fleeing with a 16-year-old girl who attends the school. The Stockton Unified School District released a statement that acknowledged the school knew of a relationship between the two.

According to San Joaquin County Sheriff’s investigators, the pair may be traveling in a 1994 green Toyota extra cab pick-up truck, with California license plate, 8G91493.

Although it’s unclear when the relationship began between Maglaya and the teen, the school district indicated that he passed a background check before he started volunteer coaching. The district is working with law enforcement to help locate the missing girl and Maglaya.

Authorities are not releasing the teen’s description or name due to her age, but her friend Brisa Madrigal, a junior at the high school, said she had no idea the girl was seeing Maglaya romantically.

“She mentioned someone, but not that it was a wrestling coach or anything, just someone that she might like. But she never told us who he was, or where he’s from, or anything.”

The teen girl’s family and friends indicated she “left abruptly.” However, she reportedly left a text message for her family, telling them they should not worry about her.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the pair should contact the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office at 209-468-4400, or its Investigations Unit at 209-468-4425.

The story continues to develop. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Phillip Maglaya/Handout]