The House of Representatives’ Committees on Accounts, and Welfare of Children organized a film screening to raise awareness on child trafficking and how to combat its various forms.

The film “Sound of Freedom” is based on the real story of Tim Ballard, a former United States Department of Homeland Security agent who conducted sting operations to rescue a brother and sister from human trafficking in Colombia.

Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, the chairperson of the Committee on Accounts, child trafficking is a global crisis that knows no borders, affecting millions of innocent lives each year.

“It is a brutal manifestation of greed, exploitation, and disregard for the most vulnerable among us,” she said in a statement on Tuesday. “We firmly believe that it is our collective duty to protect our children and ensure that they grow up in an environment where their rights are upheld and their dreams are nurtured.”

Supporting Romualdez in Monday’s screening at a Quezon City cinema is her fellow Tingog representative Jude Acidre and Committee on the Welfare of Children chairperson and Barangay Health and Wellness Party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co.

Tingog likewise extended cash donations to four non-government organizations providing shelter and related social services to children, youth and women who were victims of trafficking, other forms of abuse and neglect.

Recipients of the donation include the First Love International Ministries, Inc., Voice of the Free Foundation, Inc.-Center of Hope, St. Mary Euphrasia Integrated Development Foundation, Inc. and Sanghaya Foundation, Inc.

“Sound of Freedom” is one of the most successful independent films in history, grossing over USD210 million at the worldwide box office against its USD14.5 million budget. It was released in the US in July. (PNA)

Photo credit: House of Representatives Official Website