The Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is seeking the dismantling of community-based crime groups that recruit minors, according to Inquirer.net. The department has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to crack down on the gang known as "True Brown Style" (TBS), Philstar.com reports.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla issued the order for the PNP crackdown on TBS, according to Philstar.com. The Daily Tribune reports that police are targeting the group over its exploitation of minors.
The PNP is expanding an intelligence-driven campaign against networks that recruit young people into crime, sunstar.com.ph reports. The Philippine News Agency says the DILG wants community-based crime groups that recruit minors dismantled.
The reporting does not specify how many minors are involved, where the group operates, or what charges have been filed. No figures on arrests or rescues were included in the available accounts.
The push reflects a focus on local gangs that draw in children rather than on large organized syndicates, based on the descriptions in the reports. The DILG's involvement places the effort under the interior department, which oversees local government units and the police.
Watch for the PNP to release details on operations against TBS and on any minors rescued or removed from the group's reach.
