LIANGA, Surigao del Sur — A former senior official of the dismantled North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) has voluntarily surrendered to government forces, marking what military officials described as another significant setback to the remaining insurgent network in the Caraga Region.
Elena Estaniel Rambuyon, also known by her alias “Sandara,” 56, and the former Secretary of the NEMRC, formally surrendered on July 24, 2026 to the joint forces of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), operating under the 401st Infantry Brigade, together with personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The surrender took place at the 3SFBn Headquarters in Purok 3, Barangay Saint Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, ending years of her involvement with what was once one of the Communist Terrorist Group’s most influential regional organizations in northeastern Mindanao.
Military officials said Rambuyon’s decision to surrender represents another major development in the government’s sustained counterinsurgency campaign, following the dismantling of the NEMRC and the declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) across the Caraga Region.
Brigadier General Benjamin L. Leander, Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, disclosed that Rambuyon had already gone into hiding and remained on “lie-low” status since November 2025, following intensified military operations against the remaining CTG elements.
According to Leander, the former rebel leader decided to surrender after realizing the increasingly difficult conditions faced by the dwindling insurgent forces.
“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 said.
He noted that Rambuyon’s voluntary surrender reflects the steadily weakening influence of the Communist Terrorist Group in Caraga and demonstrates the growing effectiveness of sustained security operations and community-based peace initiatives.
“The surrender of the former NEMRC secretary is another indication that the remaining members of the organization are recognizing the futility of armed struggle and are choosing the path toward peace,” Leander emphasized.
The military has long identified the NEMRC as one of the CTG’s key regional structures responsible for directing insurgency-related activities across northeastern Mindanao before its eventual dismantling through intensified military operations and government peace efforts.
Meanwhile, Major General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said Rambuyon’s surrender serves as further validation of the government’s comprehensive peace and security strategy that ultimately led to the declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security throughout Caraga.
“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,” Angcao said.
He credited the achievement to the combined efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, various government agencies, local government units, law enforcement authorities, and local communities that have worked together to address insurgency and promote lasting peace.
“This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment of our troops, government agencies, local government units, and our peace-loving communities in ending decades of insurgency. We will continue to sustain our gains through focused military operations and strengthened collaboration with our stakeholders to ensure that peace, security, and development will endure for generations to come,” Angcao added.
Military officials said the surrender underscores the continuing decline of the CTG’s organizational structure in Caraga, where government forces have reported a series of successful operations, surrenders, and dismantling of guerrilla fronts over the past several years.
The Armed Forces reiterated its call for the remaining CTG members still in hiding to lay down their arms, abandon armed struggle, and take advantage of the government’s reintegration and peace-building programs, emphasizing that former rebels who voluntarily surrender are given opportunities to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.