By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the filing of criminal charges against the founder of Gawad Kalinga, an internationally acclaimed humanitarian organization.
In its 16-page resolution of the National Prosecution Service dated Sept. 10, the DOJ approved the filing of two counts of trafficking in persons against Antonio Meloto.
“After a thorough examination of the evidence presented, the undersigned (prosecutor) finds prima facie evidence to charge respondent (Meloto) for violation of RA 9208 (trafficking),” the resolution read.
“This joint resolution was issued… to magnify and show the systemic and repeated sexual abuse committed by respondent Meloto affecting the victims of School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) of Gawad Kalinga.”
The complainants in the case claimed that in different times in 2017, Meloto would allegedly regularly abuse them sexually against their will.
“The pattern of respondent Meloto’s behavior demonstrates not isolated acts of sexual misconduct or lascivious acts but a structured system of sexual exploitation, facilitated by organizational hierarchy and deception, he being the founder of Gawad Kalinga and the leader of SEED,” the resolution read. (PNA)
