Police authorities confirmed the arrest of Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto in Angat, Bulacan on Friday.The arrest was carried out based on a warrant issued for two counts of qualified trafficking in persons.

According to Police Brigadier General Jess Mendez of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3), the case against Meloto is non-bailable, indicating the seriousness of the charges filed.

The arrest is linked to a case that had earlier been evaluated by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which in September found probable cause to indict Meloto in connection with alleged sexual abuse involving two male beneficiaries.Based on DOJ findings reported earlier, the allegations stem from incidents that reportedly took place in 2017.

The complainants were scholars under Gawad Kalinga programs who claimed they were subjected to sexual abuse while in the GK Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan.

One of the complainants also allegedly experienced abuse during a speaking engagement in Lyon, France, where Meloto was present for GK-related activities.

The DOJ resolution described the alleged acts as falling under the definition of sex trafficking, qualified by abuse of authority, and not merely isolated incidents of misconduct.

Prosecutors noted that the behavior described in the complaint involved a structured pattern of exploitation facilitated by authority and organizational influence.Following internal investigations by the Gawad Kalinga board, Meloto reportedly stepped down from the organization in 2017.Authorities have not released further operational details regarding the arrest beyond the confirmation of execution of the warrant.The case continues to be handled under the judicial process as proceedings move forward.The allegations remain subject to court evaluation, and no final conviction has been reported at this stage.