A key Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader and his brother surrendered to government forces in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao Del Sur on August 22, 2025, the Army confirmed.
The surrenderers were identified as Edmar Maca, alias Renren, commanding officer of Platoon 2, SRSDG-Westland under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and his brother Michael, alias Datu. Both yielded to the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB).
Following their surrender, the brothers disclosed the location of an arms cache, which contained two high-powered firearms and an improvised explosive device (IED).
The Army said the surrender was made possible through the help of Maca’s wife, who had earlier been rescued by soldiers after being wounded in a June clash in Lanuza. Angeles, a CTG member, received medical care from the 36IB and later gave birth under their supervision.
Maca cited relentless military operations and the compassionate treatment given to his wife and newborn as key reasons for abandoning the insurgency.
Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, said the surrender significantly weakens SRSDG-Westland, which he described as the last remaining CTG unit in the brigade’s area. He added that more rebels are expected to yield as operations continue.
The Army reiterated its call for remaining members to return to their families and reintegrate into mainstream society in the pursuit of peace.
