MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is compiling and finalizing a nationwide roster of recruiters linked to the gang True Brown Style (TBS), which stands accused of luring minors into criminal acts.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that once the roster is finalized, the government will release the names publicly to call out the organization and warn them against radicalizing youths and coercing them into executing robberies or unlawful acts as initiation rituals.
“We have the list. We know who they are but we are compiling the entire country so once we do not then we will make public who they are. We will call them out,” said Remulla.
Remulla previously revealed that besides having an online presence, TBS has established roots across Metro Manila and 78 provinces nationwide.
Reports indicate the gang has denied engaging in violence, claiming instead to participate in community-oriented activities. However, Remulla dismissed these assertions, maintaining that official intelligence refutes their claims.
“That’s their version of the truth but we have our mission. We know what they are doing. Those cosmetic attempts (community activities) don’t have hide the truth that they are really behind a lot of what is going on involving the youth,” said Remulla.
“We appreciate what they are doing but it’s not stopping us from getting them,” he added.
Amid reports that frightened members are seeking dialogue, Remulla expressed willingness to talk, provided the group commits to ceasing all illegal operations.
”I will really arrest them, all those who groom children to be criminals, I will really arrest them. This cannot go on. How can it be that now that we know who they are and they’ve been called out, they’ll just say ‘no, we are actually good people?,” said Remulla.
“Life doesn’t work that way. There must be justice, there must be truth. We cannot reconcile without justice, we will prioritize that,” he added.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. vowed to intensify intelligence and community monitoring to stop organizations targeting minors before they gain a firmer foothold in local neighborhoods.
He affirmed that the PNP is working closely with the DILG and relevant agencies to identify, disrupt, and neutralize groups exploiting the youth.
“Our priority is to protect children from exploitation while holding those who prey on them accountable under the law. We must detect recruitment early, coordinate with schools and local authorities, and take lawful action before these groups become deeply rooted in our communities,” Nartatez said.