Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the filing of criminal charges against the founder of Gawad Kalinga, an internationally acclaimed humanitarian organization.

According to Philippines News Agency, a 16-page resolution from the National Prosecution Service dated September 10 approved the filing of two counts of trafficking in persons against Antonio Meloto. The resolution stated that after a thorough examination of the evidence, there is prima facie evidence to charge Meloto for violating RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

The resolution further emphasized the systemic and repeated nature of the alleged sexual abuse committed by Meloto, affecting victims from the School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) of Gawad Kalinga. The complainants claimed that in various instances in 2017, Meloto allegedly abused them sexually against their will.

The resolution highlighted a pattern in Meloto's behavior, indicating that these were not isolated acts of sexual misconduct but a structured system of sexual exploitation. This exploitation was reportedly facilitated by the organizational hierarchy and deception, with Meloto being the founder of Gawad Kalinga and the leader of SEED.