Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated Thursday that authorities are open to a dialogue with the street gang True Brown Style (TBS 13), though law enforcement will still pursue the arrest of members involved in criminal activities. Remulla told reporters that any conversation must come with a commitment to stopping their nefarious actions, noting that the government possesses proof the group has been grooming minors into committing criminal acts. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered authorities to dismantle the gang after the alleged criminal activities were labeled extremely alarming.
Remulla Orders Nationwide Police Crackdown on Gang
Intelligence reports cited by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla indicate that TBS 13 maintains a presence across all local government units in Metro Manila and 78 provinces, operating leaders in every barangay. Remulla issued a directive for a nationwide police crackdown after the Safer Cities initiative revealed a sharp spike in robbery cases that investigators traced directly to the group. Police stated that the gang uses convenience store robberies and similar holdups as initiation rites for prospective recruits.
TBS 13 denies the allegation of systematic criminality. In a public statement shared via Facebook, the group argued that not everyone associated with the name or colors is a criminal, emphasizing that many of its members are law-abiding professionals, workers, parents, and business owners who quietly assist communities in need. Remulla dismissed the defense, telling reporters that no amount of charity can compensate for illegal acts. “We can run a feeding program every day, but if we steal at night, it’s all rendered pointless, isn’t it?” Remulla said.
Did You Know? Government intelligence first tracked the expansion of True Brown Style following the implementation of the Safer Cities initiative, during which authorities noted a surge in robbery cases while other offenses like rape and physical injuries declined.
Police and DILG Enforcement Strategy Against Minor Recruitment
The Department of the Interior and Local Government is finalizing a public watchlist of individuals allegedly involved in recruiting minors for TBS 13. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that regional offices are boosting early intervention measures, enhancing information gathering, and coordinating closely with local officials and schools to disrupt recruitment before groups become deeply rooted in communities. Both the DILG and the PNP have urged parents to monitor children’s online communications for potential recruitment attempts.
While public figures within the group point to grassroots volunteerism and professional participation as proof of community support, state authorities maintain that localized charity cannot override documented evidence of coordinated criminal recruitment among minors.
Authorities Link Convenience Store Robberies to Gang Initiations
What specific crimes are linked to TBS 13 members?
Authorities have traced a spike in convenience store robberies and other holdups to the group, which allegedly uses these offenses as initiation activities for new recruits.
What geographic areas are affected by the group’s presence?
According to government intelligence reports cited by officials, the group has established a presence in all local government units throughout Metro Manila and across 78 provinces.
What is the official government response to the group’s charitable activities?
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that charitable programs do not excuse criminal behavior, asserting that feeding programs do not cancel out illegal acts committed at night.
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