Two men accuse Gawad Kalinga founder of abuse; Meloto denies allegations

Two former beneficiaries of non-government organization Gawad Kalinga have accused its founder Tony Meloto of sexual abuse.

According to Saleema Refran’s report in “24 Oras” on Monday, the two male victims filed complaints before the Department of Justice for the abuse they experienced in 2017.

One of the victims identified as alias “Daniel” said in his affidavit that he was called into the room of Meloto when he was still residing in the GK Farm in Bulacan. The founder allegedly touched his private part while inside the room.

“I felt helpless as I had to experience this trauma again in the hands of someone who I completely trusted and respected,” alias “Daniel” said in his affidavit.

Meanwhile, alias “Michael” also had a traumatic experience with Meloto whom he looked up to.

“...I sat on the second bed, shocked, questioning how such a dastardly act could be rationalized as being ‘fatherly’ to me,” he said in his affidavit.

“...The psychological burdens of these traumatic experiences had become unbearable to manage alone. I am compelled to seek justice and vindication for the grievous criminal acts perpetrated against me," "Michael " added.

The victims filed a complaint for acts of lasciviousness, sexual harassment, and trafficking in persons against Meloto in 2024.

“They feel they were silenced for a long time, for so many years, and they tried to find help so that they can tell their story. We will let justice take its course,” said lawyer Mary Jude Marvel.

"Harassment suit"

Meloto, in his counter-affidavit, said the accusations against him were baseless.

“I strongly deny and refute under oath the allegations made by the Complainant for being baseless, false, malicious, and improperly filed against me…the filing of this criminal case was nothing but a harassment suit,” said Meloto.

He also denied inviting the victims into his room in GK Enchanted Farm and abusing them.

Along with his counter-affidavit, Meloto also attached testimonies from witnesses to disprove the allegations against him.

The NGO founder went to the DOJ earlier in the day to submit a rejoinder affidavit. He added three more witnesses to his defense.

Meloto and his lawyer, however, refused to give a comment.

Meloto has been out of Gawad Kalinga for several years already. GMA Integrated News is trying to reach out to the NGO for comment.

According to the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service, the content of the complaints and counter-affidavits of the respondent will be checked by the fiscal to see if the cases need to be filed in the court.

“Kami ay magiging patas sa pag-evaluate ng mga ebidensya na 'yan at ibabatay lamang namin, ibabase lamang namin kung anumang desisyon o resolution na ilalabas namin dun sa ebidensya na ihaharap sa amin,” said Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon.

(We will be fair in evaluating the evidence and we will just release a decision or resolution based on the evidence given to us.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News