High-ranking NPA amazon yields to 4th ID in Surigao del Sur
RAMBUYON (center). (FB)
BUTUAN CITY – The 4th Infantry Division reported on Tuesday the surrender of the former secretary of the dismantled North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the New People's Army (NPA).
Elena Estaniel Rambuyon, 56, also known as Sandara, voluntarily surrendered to the troops of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion under the 401st Infantry Brigade on July 24 in Purok 3, Barangay Saint Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
"Rambuyon had been on lie-low status since November 2025," said Brig. Gen. Benjamin Leander, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that Rambuyon decided to surrender due to fear for her safety and the relentless, focused military operations of the government forces that restricted the movements and capabilities of the remaining NPA guerrillas in the province.
"We welcome the surrender of the former NEMRC secretary, which reflects the diminishing influence of the group, not only in Surigao del Sur, but also in the Caraga region," Leander said.
In the same statement, 4th ID commander Major Gen. Marion Angcao noted that the surrender of Rambuyon validated the success of the government's peace and security initiatives that culminated in the declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security across Caraga region. (PNA)