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Advocates Philippines
Tony Meloto Arrested In Bulacan Over Human Trafficking Case
Photo credit: PNP PRO3
Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto was arrested in Angat, Bulacan on the evening of May 29 after authorities served a warrant for two counts of qualified trafficking in persons.
The 76-year-old Meloto was apprehended at the GK Enchanted Farm in Barangay Encanto during a joint operation conducted by the Bulacan Police Provincial Office's Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Bulacan 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Angat Municipal Police Station.
The warrant was issued by a Regional Trial Court in Malolos City on the same day. The charges were filed under Republic Act 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by Republic Acts 10364 and 11862. The court did not recommend bail for the accused.
Police said Meloto was informed of his constitutional rights before and during the arrest. He was later brought to the appropriate police office for documentation and further legal processing.
The case stems from complaints filed by two former Gawad Kalinga beneficiaries who accused Meloto of sexual abuse that allegedly occurred in 2017. In 2025, the Department of Justice found probable cause to indict him for qualified trafficking, concluding that the allegations fell within the definition of sex trafficking under Philippine law.
According to prosecutors, the case involved allegations that Meloto used his position of authority within the organization to exploit vulnerable individuals. One of the complainants also claimed that the abuse continued during a Gawad Kalinga-related trip to Lyon, France.
Meloto has repeatedly denied the allegations and previously described the accusations as an attempt to destroy his reputation. Following the emergence of the complaints, he stepped away from his leadership role in Gawad Kalinga while the organization conducted its own internal review.
Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for the successful implementation of the warrant, stressing the PNP's commitment to pursuing human trafficking cases and ensuring that all law enforcement operations are carried out in accordance with the law and respect for human rights.
The arrest forms part of the PNP's continuing campaign against wanted persons and its broader effort to strengthen law enforcement operations under the government's peace and public safety agenda.
Authorities said the suspect will remain under police custody while undergoing the necessary legal proceedings related to the charges.
The 76-year-old Meloto was apprehended at the GK Enchanted Farm in Barangay Encanto during a joint operation conducted by the Bulacan Police Provincial Office's Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Bulacan 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Angat Municipal Police Station.
The warrant was issued by a Regional Trial Court in Malolos City on the same day. The charges were filed under Republic Act 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by Republic Acts 10364 and 11862. The court did not recommend bail for the accused.
Police said Meloto was informed of his constitutional rights before and during the arrest. He was later brought to the appropriate police office for documentation and further legal processing.
The case stems from complaints filed by two former Gawad Kalinga beneficiaries who accused Meloto of sexual abuse that allegedly occurred in 2017. In 2025, the Department of Justice found probable cause to indict him for qualified trafficking, concluding that the allegations fell within the definition of sex trafficking under Philippine law.
According to prosecutors, the case involved allegations that Meloto used his position of authority within the organization to exploit vulnerable individuals. One of the complainants also claimed that the abuse continued during a Gawad Kalinga-related trip to Lyon, France.
Meloto has repeatedly denied the allegations and previously described the accusations as an attempt to destroy his reputation. Following the emergence of the complaints, he stepped away from his leadership role in Gawad Kalinga while the organization conducted its own internal review.
Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for the successful implementation of the warrant, stressing the PNP's commitment to pursuing human trafficking cases and ensuring that all law enforcement operations are carried out in accordance with the law and respect for human rights.
The arrest forms part of the PNP's continuing campaign against wanted persons and its broader effort to strengthen law enforcement operations under the government's peace and public safety agenda.
Authorities said the suspect will remain under police custody while undergoing the necessary legal proceedings related to the charges.
May 30, 2026
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