THE PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) has intensified intelligence-gathering and community monitoring efforts to prevent groups from recruiting and grooming minors into criminal activities.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. expressed full support for the government’s efforts to dismantle groups allegedly recruiting young people into unlawful activities, including the “True Brown Style” (TBS).

“The PNP fully supports this initiative and we will work closely with the DILG and other concerned agencies to identify, disrupt, and dismantle groups that recruit or groom minors into criminal activities,” Nartatez said.

“Our priority is to protect children from exploitation while holding those who prey on them accountable under the law,” he added.

The intensified campaign follows the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to prevent the spread of community-based criminal groups, protect children from exploitation and strengthen measures against youth-related violence.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier disclosed that authorities have coordinated efforts to dismantle TBS, which allegedly recruits minors into criminal activities.

Remulla said TBS members, mostly aged 18 to 20, reportedly groom children as young as 14 and 15 and encourage them to commit theft from convenience stores as part of their initiation rites.

“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.

The crackdown comes as the government also steps up efforts against individuals accused of grooming students into violent acts, including school shootings.

Marcos recently ordered stronger school security following deadly shooting incidents in Tacloban, Zamboanga and South Cotabato. He also directed concerned agencies to investigate how minors involved in the incidents were able to obtain and bring firearms into their schools.

“The PNP will remain proactive in protecting our communities and our children. We will strengthen our partnership with families, schools, barangays, and other stakeholders to prevent recruitment, intervene early, and ensure that vulnerable children are protected rather than exploited by criminals,” Nartatez said.