EDITORIAL - Get this gang

According to Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, a criminal gang calling itself True Brown Style is recruiting minors as members here in Cebu and having them carry out criminal activities as part of their initiation.

“’Yung True Brown Style na ‘yan, sinasabi ko sa inyo, mag-ingat na kayong lahat…‘Yung binigyan ko ng araw niyo, hindi ko kayo babatiin, pero ikukulong ko kayo lahat kung anong gagawin niyo ‘yung mali,” he said in a story in this newspaper.

He went on to say that the gang, which has grown into a criminal syndicate since being “imported” here from the U.S. around 25 years ago, encourages recruits to steal from convenience stores as part of their introduction into the group.

Some of our youths are already flirting with a life marked by truancy. We see minors out in the streets unsupervised by their parents or legal guardians. We see some of them hanging out at night in places where they should not be, with people they should not be around, and at times when they should be home because of the curfew.

There is also no denying the allure of “gang life”, thanks to their portrayal in TV shows, movies, and music videos. Some youths cannot help but get seduced by the thought of winning “respect” or “street cred” or belonging to a group that calls them brothers or promises to stand by them through thick and thin.

But a gang, especially a criminal one, is not likely to look out for its members when the going gets tough, or when the police come knocking. Many members learn this the hard way when they get caught.

The youth have enough negative influences already. If indeed a gang is recruiting minors and encouraging them to commit crimes here in Cebu then police must get them, and the community and parents must do all they can to make sure youths don’t fall under their sway.