The Real Reason Behind Gawad Kalinga Founder Tony Meloto’s Arrest
GAWAD KALINGA – Social media was flooded with reactions after authorities arrested Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto.
The arrest of Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto has sparked widespread discussion online after authorities took him into custody on the evening of May 29 in Barangay Encanto, Angat, Bulacan.
According to the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, law enforcement officers served a warrant of arrest against Meloto that was issued by the Regional Trial Court in Malolos City, Bulacan, on May 29. The court order reportedly stated that no bail was recommended for the charges filed against him, making the case non-bailable at this stage.
Meloto is facing two counts of qualified trafficking under Republic Act No. 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. The charges stem from complaints filed by two former beneficiaries of Gawad Kalinga programs, who alleged that they experienced sexual abuse in 2017 while they were scholars under the organization.
The case gained further attention after the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the filing of criminal charges against Meloto in September 2025. Following its investigation, the DOJ said it found probable cause to pursue the allegations.
In its resolution, prosecutors stated that the acts being attributed to Meloto allegedly fall under the definition of sex trafficking and involved abuse of authority because of his former position as founder of Gawad Kalinga and head of the School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development program.
The prosecution also claimed that a relationship of power and influence allegedly existed between Meloto and the complainants, who were under the care and supervision of the program at the time of the alleged incidents. According to the resolution, one complainant alleged that abuse occurred at GK Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan, while another claimed a similar incident took place during a trip to Lyon, France, connected to a speaking engagement organised by the group.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the police officers involved in the arrest.
“Hindi natin palalampasin ang anumang uri ng human trafficking dahil buhay, dignidad, at kinabukasan ng tao ang nakataya rito. Patuloy ang ating pagtutok sa mga kasong tulad nito habang sinisiguro rin natin na bawat operasyon ng PNP ay isinasagawa nang may respeto sa karapatang pantao at naaayon sa batas,” he said.
Despite the accusations, Meloto has firmly denied all allegations. In his counter-affidavit, he and the witnesses who supported his defence described the claims as baseless, false, and motivated by ill intent. The legal proceedings are expected to continue as the case moves through the courts.
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