TIMELINE: How TBS 'evolved' through the years

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla recently announced the government’s crackdown against members of True Brown Style (TBS) who were allegedly involved in illegal activities, including grooming minors into crimes.

According to him, TBS is entrenched in all local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila as well as in 78 provinces.

Remulla said the group originated in California 35 years ago and reached the Philippines about 25 years ago as a small group before developing into what authorities now describe as a criminal syndicate.

But TBS Worldwide urged authorities to not generalize all members as criminals, pointing out that many of them are “professionals, workers, parents, business owners, and ordinary law-abiding citizens.” It added that some members have been engaging in charitable works.

According to TBS Worldwide, this is how its group evolved through the years:

1991 - True Blunt Systah emerges

True Blunt Systah (TBS) was formed in 1991 and became rooted in the local hip-hop and street culture of the time. The group developed a strong presence in urban communities and established its own identity and network of members.

1993 - Original Hiphop Posse Brotherhood is formed

The Original Hiphop Posse Brotherhood (OHPB) emerged in 1993 as another street group with links to the local hip-hop scene. Like TBS, OHPB developed its own membership, identity and reputation in different communities.

1994 - TBS and OHPB merge

In 1994, OG Hoodaz of Tandang Sora Hood introduced TBS leader Don Lucas to OHPB’s Joseph Ceñidoza AKA Joseph Saitan and Maynard AKA Dorobo. The meeting eventually led to an agreement between members of TBS and OHPB to join forces.

The collaboration resulted in the formation of True Brown Style 13.

1995 - TBS 13 leadership is formalized

Before Don Lucas moved to West Covina, Los Angeles, California, Saitan and Dorobo visited him to formalize the collaboration and leadership structure of the newly formed group.

Saitan was designated as president.

During this period, Saitan also decided to stop accepting women into the TBS, “believing that their presence caused conflict and strife among the members.”

1995 to 1996 - Internal differences

The merger and name change initially created misunderstandings among some longtime TBS members, particularly those in the North, including Manila and Tondo.

Some members had helped expand TBS in those areas but were initially not included in discussions about the collaboration.

Differences in membership and the greater presence of women in the Galleria area also contributed to misunderstandings between members.

By 1996, the members were eventually informed about the changes and accepted the new structure.

Late 1990s - TBS gains notoriety

True Brown Style 13 continued to expand its presence while also becoming associated with criminal activities, violence, and legal problems, according to the account of TBS Worldwide.

The group's activities resulted in confrontations and strained relationships with some communities.

Early 2000s - Members begin reconsidering their direction

By the early 2000s, some TBS key members began reflecting on the consequences of their involvement in crime and violence.

Increasing incarcerations, violent incidents, and personal losses prompted members to consider changing the group's direction.

2000s - True Brown Style 13 rebrands

The group eventually adopted the name True Brown Style Worldwide.

The rebranding was presented as a break from its previous criminal identity and a commitment to positive change, both in the Philippines and among members abroad.

TBS said its new direction focused on community service, empathy, personal development, and respect for the law.

2026 - Government crackdown

Philippine authorities are now gathering intelligence and hunting down TBS members who were allegedly involved in illegal activities following reports of minors getting involved in criminal activities and school shootings due to bad influences online. —VAL, GMA News