Gawad Kalinga founder nabbed for trafficking

MANILA, Philippines — Gawad Kalinga (GK) founder Antonio Meloto was arrested over charges of qualified trafficking in Angat, Bulacan on Friday night.

The arrest was based on a warrant issued by Judge Adonis Laurel of the Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 76 for two counts of qualified trafficking as provided under Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Police officers served the warrant on Meloto at around 6:30 p.m. in Barangay Encanto. No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.

In 2025, the Department of Justice indicted Meloto based on a complaint of sexual harassment filed by two beneficiaries of his poverty alleviation movement.

The boys, who were beneficiaries of GK’s School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development, said that Meloto allegedly committed acts of lasciviousness and sexual harassment against them during their stay at a GK farm.