Gawad Kalinga founder Antonio “Tony” Meloto was arrested in Angat, Bulacan, on Friday after a warrant was issued for two counts of qualified trafficking, according to the Philippine National Police.
The Regional Trial Court in Malolos City ordered the arrest with no bail recommended, and the suspect was identified by the PNP as the 76-year-old founder of the organization.
The case stems from a Department of Justice finding in September 2025, which recommended charges based on prima facie evidence of alleged exploitation.
The complaints were filed by former beneficiaries of a Gawad Kalinga program who accused Meloto of abuse of authority and sexual misconduct between 2016 and 2017.
Meloto has previously denied the allegations, which the DOJ upgraded from acts of lasciviousness to qualified sex trafficking.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 31, 2026
PNP CONFIRMS ARREST OF GAWAD KALINGA FOUNDER IN TRAFFICKING CASE
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