PNP steps up crackdown on groups recruiting minors for crime

The Philippine National Police on Tuesday intensified intelligence gathering and community monitoring against groups allegedly recruiting minors into criminal activities.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police would work with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other agencies to identify and dismantle groups accused of grooming children for crime.

“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.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said authorities were moving against the group “True Brown Style,” or TBS, which he alleged was recruiting minors.

Remulla said members, mostly aged 18 to 20, allegedly groom children as young as 14 and 15 and encourage them to steal from convenience stores as part of 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 strengthens measures against individuals accused of influencing students toward violent acts.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently ordered tighter school security following deadly incidents in Tacloban, Zamboanga and South Cotabato. He also directed agencies to investigate how minors involved in the incidents obtained firearms and brought them into schools.

Nartatez said police would strengthen coordination with families, schools, barangays and other stakeholders to prevent recruitment and intervene early.