02/10/2026
KEEPING YOUTH OUT OF CRIME: PNP STRENGTHENS EARLY INTERVENTION
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police units across the country are strengthening early intervention measures to prevent young people from being drawn into emerging criminal groups and activities.
The move comes amid concerns raised by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla over reports involving the group identified as True Brown Style (TBS), which allegedly recruits and grooms teenagers for criminal activities. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed authorities to address emerging community-based criminal groups and prevent them from gaining a wider foothold.
Rather than waiting for criminal activities to escalate, the PNP is directing its regional offices and concerned units to strengthen information gathering, validate reports, and coordinate with local authorities and community partners so that appropriate intervention can be undertaken at the earliest opportunity.
The approach is consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which emphasizes responsive and coordinated police action based on reliable information and appropriate assessment of emerging concerns.
“Kapag may nakikitang senyales ng problema, mas mabuting maagapan kaysa hintayin nating lumala. We want our police units to be present, informed, and coordinated enough to act at the right time—especially when young people may be at risk of being influenced or exploited,” PGen Nartatez said.
The Chief PNP stressed that police intervention must remain anchored on facts and the law. Reports will be validated and evidence properly established before appropriate police action is taken, with due regard for the rights of all persons concerned.
At the community level, police units are also being encouraged to strengthen coordination with schools, local government units, barangay officials, parents and other stakeholders who can help identify early signs of recruitment, exploitation or involvement in criminal activities.
“Hindi lang ito trabaho ng pulis. If a young person is being drawn into criminal activity, the earlier the family, school, community and police can recognize it, the more opportunities we have to intervene and put that young person back on the right path,” PGen Nartatez added.
The PNP likewise reminds the public to report credible information concerning the recruitment of minors or criminal activities to the nearest police station or through the Unified 911 emergency hotline. Information provided by the community can help police assess concerns, coordinate with the appropriate units, and respond before a situation develops into a more serious threat.
Through early intervention, coordinated police work and stronger community partnership, the PNP continues to strengthen its role not only in responding to crime but also in preventing young people from becoming vulnerable to criminal exploitation, advancing the vision of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)
