Rappler has conducted a fact check confirming that DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla remains in his position as Interior Secretary, contrary to false claims circulating on social media. The misinformation originated from a Facebook reel that claimed Remulla had been removed from office, featuring a video with photos of Remulla, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and vlogger Claire Contreras. The video text stated, 'LIGWAK SI JONVIC REMULLA! SIBAK SA PUWESTO?! BOYING ISUSUNOD NA?' (Jonvic Remulla out! Dismissed from his post?! Is Boying next?). The false claim was based on Remulla's earlier statement that Harry Roque's asylum application had been denied, which Roque later clarified was incorrect. Roque stated, 'My application for asylum has been submitted for resolution, and I continue to await the official decision of the competent Austrian asylum authorities.' Remulla later admitted errors in his previous claims about Roque's asylum bid, stating, 'In his case, it's neither denied nor accepted. So under the eyes of the law, he still does not have asylum.' Malacañang, the official residence of the President, indicated that while Remulla might face scrutiny for his previous statements, there are no plans for his dismissal. Palace press officer Claire Castro explained, 'If he has admitted to making a mistake and assuming it wasn't intended to mislead the public, then Secretary Jonvic's statements could certainly be called out. However, we should also examine whether it was intentional or done in bad faith.' This fact check follows previous Rappler fact checks on similar false claims about public officials' dismissals, including Hontiveros, Romualdez, Ombudsman Remulla, Bato dela Rosa, Padilla, and Sara Duterte. The article emphasizes the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media to prevent the spread of misinformation.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced plans to meet with members of the True Brown Style (TBS) community-based group in Cavite next week. Remulla stated that he will lay out his policy during the meeting, emphasizing that TBS members are rational individuals who can engage in productive dialogue. However, he warned that the government will continue to pursue those involved in illegal activities. Authorities recently intensified crackdowns against TBS members allegedly involved in illegal activities and grooming minors into committing crimes. Remulla mentioned that 13 TBS members were arrested recently for various offenses including drug-related cases, illegal possession of deadly weapons, and theft. He also referenced the September 21 mass rally in Mendiola where 90 people were arrested, with 55 identified as TBS members. Remulla explained that authorities identified TBS members through intelligence networks and by examining the group's hierarchy in Manila. TBS Worldwide previously urged authorities not to generalize all members as criminals, stating that not all TBS members engage in illegal activities. The group, originally from California, has been in the Philippines for about 25 years and now has members in approximately 78 provinces. Remulla noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered authorities to dismantle the organization due to the alarming cases involving TBS. The government remains open to dialogue with TBS members willing to reform but will not hesitate to take action against those involved in illegal activities.

Former Speaker and current Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez is set to be transferred to Payatas jail following his arrest on plunder charges. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remull… · Photo : Judgefloro · CC0 · Wikimedia

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has expressed openness to dialogue with the True Brown Style (TBS) group, but emphasized that such discussions must be accompanied by a commitment to cease their alleged criminal activities. During an ambush interview, Remulla stated, 'Of course, but a dialogue must come with a commitment to stopping their nefarious activities.' This statement followed TBS Worldwide's defense of their organization, where they urged authorities not to generalize all members as criminals. TBS Worldwide, in a Facebook post, clarified, 'HUWAG LAHATIN. Hindi lahat ng may TBS sa pangalan, color, o affiliation ay kriminal. Hindi lahat ng TBS members pare-pareho ang ginagawa,' which translates to 'DO NOT GENERALIZE. Not everyone with TBS in their name, color, or affiliation is a criminal. Not all TBS members do the same thing.' The group further stated that many of their members are professionals, workers, parents, business owners, and law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to their communities. Remulla, however, maintained that charitable activities do not erase alleged wrongdoing, comparing it to 'cosmetic' that does not hide the truth. He noted that TBS members are involved in illegal activities involving minors, with some members as young as 14 to 15 years old being groomed for criminal acts. Authorities have reportedly compiled a list of TBS members involved in these activities. Remulla also mentioned that the group has established a presence in all local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila and in 78 provinces, with cases described as 'extremely alarming' by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who ordered authorities to dismantle the organization. The Interior Secretary stressed that while appreciating the group's community support, authorities will continue to pursue those involved in criminal activities, ensuring due process for all individuals. The TBS group has called for accountability based on evidence and due process, urging authorities to target only those who commit crimes rather than generalizing all members.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is actively gathering intelligence on the True Brown Style (TBS) criminal gang, which has established a significant presence in all local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila and in 78 provinces across the Philippines. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered authorities to dismantle the organization following alarming cases involving the group. During a command conference with police officials, Remulla stated that the DILG is compiling information on TBS members and emphasized that they will be apprehended. The TBS gang, which originated in California, United States, and arrived in the Philippines approximately 25 years ago, has evolved from a small group into a criminal syndicate. Remulla noted that the gang is present in every LGU in Metro Manila and has spread to 78 out of 83 provinces, with varying sizes of operations concentrated mainly in urban centers. The gang primarily recruits members in their late teens and early 20s, and also targets children as young as 14 to 15 years old, grooming them for criminal activities. Initiation rites reportedly involve robbing convenience stores at gunpoint, with members as young as 16 being taught to steal. Authorities are urging communities and families to remain vigilant against criminal groups that prey on minors and threaten public order. The DILG has also highlighted the need for stricter regulations on children's access to social media and violent content, as part of broader efforts to combat youth involvement in criminal activities. This development underscores the growing concern over the gang's influence and the government's commitment to addressing the issue through coordinated law enforcement actions.

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The Marcos administration should initiate sweeping reforms in Philippine law enforcement in response to recent congressional hearings on police corruption and abuse in the “war on drugs".