Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto faces qualified sex trafficking charges

Prosecutors have approved the filing of two counts of qualified sex trafficking charges against Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto.

Two former beneficiaries of GK's youth programs accused Meloto of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, acts of lasciviousness, and human trafficking.

The alleged acts occurred in 2017 at the GK Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan, with one complainant also experiencing abuse during a speaking engagement in Lyon, France.

Complainants alleged Meloto engaged in acts such as grabbing their crotches and applying a "cooling gel" to their genital areas, claiming it would help scholars "decrease their sexual urge."

The DOJ panel stated that the sexual harassment and acts of lasciviousness complaints are absorbed as sexual exploitation, which should not be treated separately from sex trafficking.

The DOJ noted that Meloto held a position of authority over the complainants and abused them sexually to satisfy his lustful desire.

The DOJ stated that the pattern of Meloto's behavior demonstrates a structured system of sexual exploitation, facilitated by organizational hierarchy and deception.

Meloto has denied the allegations, claiming the complaints are harassment against him and denying inviting the victims into his room to abuse them.