Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla announced on Monday that law enforcement operations are currently underway to dismantle a community-based syndicate accused of recruiting and grooming minors into crime.
Speaking to reporters during an ambush interview at Camp Crame, Remulla identified the syndicate as “True Brown Style” (TBS), revealing that the group forces new recruits to rob convenience stores as part of their initiation process.
“There is a group called TBS, True Brown Style. That is our next focus of our attention. We are going to dismantle this syndicate,” said Remulla.
“It’s a community-based syndicate of 20 year-olds who are grooming children as young as 14 and 15 to become criminals,” said Remulla.
Characterizing the gang’s expansion as “very alarming,” Remulla noted that the organization originated in the United States approximately 35 years ago before establishing a presence locally.
“We are going to dismantle it before it becomes larger,” said Remulla. “Now, they’re organizing in communities. So we are studying its command structure and we will be making the necessary steps to prevent the spread of TBS,” Remulla said.
Remulla stated that the crackdown on TBS runs parallel to broader government efforts targeting groomers who entice students into committing acts of violence, including recent campus shootings. Specifically, authorities are actively pursuing the individual who reportedly groomed the shooter involved in the deadly attack at a school in Banga, South Cotabato, which left three students dead, including the shooter.
“We’re still trying to find him,” said Remulla of the groomer.
Addressing wider safety concerns in schools, Remulla shared that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed agencies to strengthen coordination among parents, educators, and community leaders.
“The President has directed us to communicate what needs to be done, talk to the children, what approach should be taken concerning the students,” said Remulla.
“You’ll get the materials very soon,” Remulla told the media regarding upcoming operational guidelines.