‘Harry Potter’ author helps trafficked victims in RP

MANILA, Philippines—The Center of Hope, a safe house for victims and survivors of human trafficking pursuing legal cases against their traffickers, was recently inaugurated on a lot purchased in part with the help of a sizable donation from J.K. Rowling, author of the famous “Harry Potter” series of books.

The building, which has two floors and a basement and sits on a 1,500-square-meter property in Antipolo City, was constructed by the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. (VFFI) and the Angelo King Foundation.

VFFI, which has ongoing projects funded by the United States government, has been working for the welfare and protection of children and women against child labor and human trafficking and has been concerned with the plight of domestic helpers.

The US Embassy joined the VFFI, the Angelo King Foundation, Microsoft, and Boysen Philippines in launching the Center of Hope on May 28.

The launch was attended by Leslie Bassett, deputy chief of mission of the US embassy, who was the guest of honor, as well as Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar, civic and philanthropy groups, non-government organizations, law enforcement agencies, and business groups.

Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, VFFI president and executive director, said the Center of Hope is their foundation’s response to the lack of facilities to secure and prepare victims for successful prosecution.

According to the United States of America Department of State Trafficking in Persons report, the Philippines is a major source and transit area for trafficking, specifically for forced labor and prostitution.

Source: Inquirer