Following a two-year CNN investigation, the two-hour documentary, The Fighters,
chronicles Philippine human rights pioneer Cecilia Flores-Oebanda in her journey to
protect children from the sex trade and to convince the Philippines’ biggest star,
Manny Pacquiao, to join her as a fighter in the battle against modern-day slavery.
It’s estimated that more than 100,000 children work in the sex trade in the
Philippines. Since founding her anti-trafficking organisation, Visayan Forum, in 1991,
Cecilia Flores-Oebanda has helped more than 15,000 victims. She believes if
Pacquiao, an elected congressman in the Philippines and the country’s biggest star,
champions her cause, it could mean a turning point.
But just when it begins to look like she’s winning, allegations of fraud and missing
funds threaten to ruin her life’s work as she is forced to change her focus from saving
children to saving the organisation she set up to help them.
“The Fighters is a remarkable film that represents the very core of the CNN Freedom
Project, namely a desire to shine a spotlight into the darkness of human trafficking
and to champion those who have dedicated their lives to ending it,’ said Tony
Maddox, executive vice president and managing director for CNN International.
“This documentary also represents a formidable journalistic achievement, the
culmination of more than two years of tenacious, tireless reporting. I salute those
who have bought it to our screens and, with it, discussion on this critical issue into
millions of homes around the world,’ he added.
Airing on CNN International on two consecutive nights beginning in May, The Fighters
provides a unique glimpse into the world of combating human trafficking through the
eyes of those risking their lives so that others may live theirs in freedom. It explores
themes of social justice and globalisation, as well as offering insight into both the
benefits and drawbacks inherent in governmental-charity-celebrity partnerships.
The Fighters is produced and narrated by Leif Coorlim, executive editor of the CNN
Freedom Project.
Part One of The Fighters will be broadcast on CNN International on Friday 17 May at
13h00 CAT and 22h00 CAT and on Saturday 18 May at 04h00 CAT, followed by Part
Two on the same day at 13h00 CAT and 22h00 CAT, as well as Sunday 19 May at
04h00 CAT
The CNN Freedom Project produces original reports, articles, and documentaries on
human trafficking in all of its forms – from debt bondage in India to sex trafficking
rings in Southern California and African slaves in the Sinai desert. In addition, the
production team curates digital resources with information on global advocacy groups
working against human slavery. Users of www.cnn.com/freedom can find details on
how to support or volunteer with anti-slavery organisations, watch CNN Freedom
Project videos, and read in-depth articles and behind-the-scenes reporters’ notebook
stories from the journalists reporting for CNN Freedom Project investigations.
