U.S.-based nonprofit says founder has had no role or authority with the organization since 2017 separation from Gawad Kalinga
MANILA — The arrest of Antonio “Tony” Meloto, founder of Gawad Kalinga, has prompted a public response from GK USA, the United States-based nonprofit connected to the Gawad Kalinga network, as the criminal case against him proceeds in the Philippines.
Meloto, 76, was arrested in Angat, Bulacan, on May 29 in connection with two counts of qualified trafficking in persons, according to authorities. Police said the arrest was carried out after a court issued a warrant, with no bail recommended.
The case stems from a Department of Justice resolution finding probable cause and directing the filing of charges in court. Meloto has denied the allegations and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Meloto was later brought to Dr. Yanga’s Hospital in Bocaue, Bulacan, after complaining of difficulty breathing, according to police. Authorities said he remained under police guard while the court had yet to issue a commitment order specifying where he should be detained. His representative earlier said his camp would seek hospital arrest because of health concerns.
In a statement to volunteers and partners, GK USA Chairman Francis de los Reyes III said the news had been “stressful” for many supporters whose lives have been connected to the organization’s work in the Philippines. GK USA said allegations of this nature involve “real people and families” and affirmed the importance of “a fair and impartial process for everyone involved.”
GK USA said its position had not changed since its official statement in July 2025. The organization said Gawad Kalinga in the Philippines acted after hearing complaints in 2017, removed Meloto as chairman and separated him from official functions, leading to the public announcement of his resignation in January 2018.
In a March 10, 2025 official statement, Gawad Kalinga in the Philippines said several male SEED scholars who were part of the Spartan program raised complaints in 2017 alleging physical violations by Meloto. The organization said its Board of Trustees conducted an internal investigation and that Meloto tendered his resignation as chairman of Gawad Kalinga, SEED Philippines and Enchanted Farm on Oct. 26, 2017.
Gawad Kalinga said it acted discreetly at the request of complainants to protect their privacy and initiated support measures with professionals, including a crisis interventionist and therapists.
In a July 18, 2025 statement addressed to GK leaders, the Gawad Kalinga Board said questions had arisen about Enchanted Farm and Meloto’s involvement after his 2017 resignation. The board said Meloto visited and engaged members of the Enchanted Farm community in May 2025 and worked with some community leaders and members to organize an event there.
The board said it formally advised Meloto not to visit Enchanted Farm because of pending complaints against him. It said the situation created tensions involving some community leaders, members and mission workers, and that talks of physical threats against some mission workers circulated. To de-escalate the situation, GK said its leadership decided to pull out GK and SEED mission workers.
GK USA, in its latest statement, said Meloto has had “no role, authority, or affiliation” with the U.S. nonprofit since his separation from Gawad Kalinga in 2017. The organization described itself as a U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3) and said it is committed to honoring and abiding by the judicial process in the Philippines.
“As a community based on advocating for those who have less, we stand for justice for all,” the statement said.
GK USA also said it does not tolerate “abuse, exploitation, harassment, or misconduct in any form,” and urged supporters to respect the process as the case proceeds. It said GK is “not just one person” and that volunteers remain committed to working with communities in the Philippines.
