Gawad Kalinga Founder Tony Meloto Arrested on Trafficking Charges
Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto arrested in trafficking case

Image: Inquirer
Tony Meloto, the founder of Gawad Kalinga, was arrested on trafficking charges involving two former scholars of the organization who accused him of sexual abuse. The arrest occurred at the GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan, Philippines, following a warrant issued by a local court.
- 01Tony Meloto, aged 76, was arrested for qualified trafficking in persons, with no bail recommended by the court.
- 02The allegations involve two former GK scholars who were minors at the time of the alleged abuses, which occurred between 2016 and 2017.
- 03Meloto has denied all allegations, describing them as 'baseless, false, and malicious.'
- 04The Department of Justice found prima facie evidence against Meloto in September 2025, leading to the trafficking charges.
- 05Gawad Kalinga, founded by Meloto, is known for its poverty alleviation efforts and has built thousands of homes for the underprivileged.
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Antonio “Tony” Meloto, founder of the Gawad Kalinga (GK) organization, was arrested on Friday night at the GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan, Philippines, on charges of trafficking in persons. The arrest was executed following a warrant issued by Judge Adonis Laurel of the Bulacan Regional Trial Court. Meloto faces two counts of qualified trafficking in persons, with the alleged victims being two former scholars from GK's School of Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED), who also accused him of sexual abuse. The complaints, filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ), detail incidents of sexual harassment and coercive acts that occurred between 2016 and 2017. Meloto has strongly denied the allegations, calling them 'baseless' and requesting their dismissal. In September 2025, the DOJ recommended filing charges against him based on prima facie evidence, citing a pattern of abuse of authority and exploitation. Meloto's organization, Gawad Kalinga, has been recognized for its community leadership and poverty alleviation initiatives, having built numerous low-cost homes since its inception in 2003.
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The arrest of Tony Meloto may impact the operations and reputation of Gawad Kalinga, affecting its ongoing poverty alleviation programs in the Philippines.
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