INTERIOR Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Thursday that he is open to a dialogue with street gang True Brown Style (TBS 13), but authorities will still pursue their arrest for criminal activities.
“The dialogue must come with a commitment to stopping their nefarious activities,” Remulla told reporters.
Remulla said they have proof that the group had been grooming minors into committing criminal acts, adding the gang has established a presence in all local government units in Metro Manila and 78 provinces.
Remulla said the group’s alleged criminal activities were “extremely alarming,” which prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to order authorities to dismantle the gang.
TBS 13 denied the allegation, saying the majority of its members are helping communities and it supports legal action against erring members.
“Not everyone who has ‘TBS’ in their name, color, or affiliation is a criminal. Not all TBS members do the same things. Many of us are professionals, workers, parents, business owners, and ordinary law-abiding citizens,” the group said in a Facebook post.
“Many TBS members are quietly helping communities, support others, and use their time and resources to assist those in need,” it added.
Remulla said truth has two versions.
“That’s their version of the truth, but we have our version. We know what they’re doing,” he said, adding no amount of charity can make up for criminal activities.
“We can run a feeding program every day, but if we steal at night, it’s all rendered pointless, isn’t it?” he added.
Remulla said authorities have a list of TBS members involved in criminal activities.
