Former guerrilla secretary surrenders; gov’t peace efforts advance in Caraga
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — A former top official of the dismantled North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the communist terrorist group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to government forces, reinforcing the government’s sustained peace and security gains in the Caraga region following its declaration under Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS).
Elena Estaniel Rambuyon, alias ‘Sandara,’ 56, former secretary of the dismantled NEMRC, surrendered on July 24 to joint Army and police personnel at the Philippine Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion headquarters in Barangay Saint Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
Brigadier General Benjamin L. Leander, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said Rambuyon had been on lie-low status since November 2025 before deciding to return to the fold of the law.
“She decided to surrender due to fear for her safety and the relentless, focused military operations conducted by government forces, which significantly restricted the movement and capabilities of the remaining members,” Leander added.
The army official said Rambuyon’s surrender reflects the continued weakening of the CTG’s remaining forces in the region, resulting from sustained military operations and whole-of-government peace initiatives.
Fourth Infantry Division Commander General Marion T. Angcao said the surrender further validates the successful dismantling of the NEMRC and affirms the government’s declaration of SIPS across the entire Caraga region.
“The surrender of a former top-ranking NEMRC official is another testament to the successful dismantling of the NEMRC, which paved the way for the declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security throughout the entire Caraga Region. This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment of our troops, government agencies, local government units, and our peace-loving communities in ending decades of insurgency,” Angcao added.
The official emphasized that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue to sustain its gains through focused military operations and strengthened collaboration with local government units, partner agencies, and communities to ensure that peace, security, and development are preserved across the region.
The surrender underscores the continuing implementation of the national government’s whole-of-nation approach to ending local communist armed conflict, with security officials emphasizing that the declaration of SIPS in Caraga marks a significant milestone toward sustaining lasting peace, promoting development, and improving the lives of communities once affected by insurgency. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur/Photo courtesy of 401st Brigade, PA)
