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.