Around 2,500 cyclists gathered at Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City on Wednesday to celebrate Philippine Independence Day and to raise awareness of around 27 million people around the world trapped in modern-day slavery.
With around 10 million Filipinos working abroad, event organizer Dakila said many are at risk of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and forced labor. From 300,000 to 400,000 Filipinos become victims of human trafficking every year both in the Philippines and abroad, they said.
Musician and Dakila vice president Noel Cabangon led the cyclists in reciting a pledge to watch out for fellow Filipinos who may be victims of human trafficking. He said Filipinos must protect each other against enslavement to make the Philippines a country that is truly free.
The Freedom Ride, which had counterpart rides in Iloilo, Dumaguete, and Zamboanga, passed through Marikina City and Katipunan Road in Quezon City before heading back to Eastwood.
Cases of human trafficking can be reported to an anti-trafficking hotline run by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. It can be reached by phone or SMS at 1343 and through its website.
