Remulla to TBS gang: Dialogue possible, but crime must stop

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he was open to a dialogue with representatives of the True Brown Style (TBS) gang but stressed that any talks should include a commitment to stop what he described as the group’s criminal activities.

“A dialogue must be with a commitment to stopping their nefarious activities,” Remulla said in an ambush interview on Thursday.

READ: DILG goes after crime gang recruiting minors

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He also stressed that law enforcement agencies would continue enforcing the law against TBS members, saying reconciliation could not happen without justice and truth.

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Remulla said authorities already had a list of TBS members and would proceed with efforts to arrest them.

The DILG chief said TBS’ charitable activities could not conceal or offset its alleged criminal activities in communities.

He described the group’s charitable initiatives as efforts to create a favorable image, saying these would not prevent law enforcement authorities from pursuing its members.

“That’s their version of the truth, and we have our version. They know what they are doing,” Remulla said.

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“HUWAG LAHATIN. Hindi lahat ng may TBS sa pangalan, kulay, o affiliation ay kriminal. Hindi lahat ng TBS members pare-pareho ang ginagawa,” TBS Worldwide wrote in a Facebook post.

(DO NOT GENERALIZE. Not everyone with TBS in their name, color, or affiliation is a criminal. Not all TBS members do the same thing.)

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“Marami sa amin ay professionals, workers, parents, business owners, at ordinaryong mamamayang sumusunod sa batas,” it added.

(Many of us are professionals, workers, parents, business owners, and ordinary law-abiding citizens.) /mcm