Wife’s Role Key in NPA Officer Surrender
In a significant development, the wife of a New People’s Army (NPA) commanding officer played a crucial role in negotiations that led to his surrender, along with his brother. The surrender of the NPA officer and his sibling marks a notable step in peace efforts in Surigao del Sur.
Officials reported that Edmar Maca, known by his alias Renren, who commanded Platoon 2 of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland, and his brother Michael, alias Datu, yielded to Lt. Col. Joselito Ante, commander of the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB). The event took place in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, last Friday.
Recovered Weapons and Explosives
Following their surrender, the two men assisted 36IB troops in uncovering two high-powered firearms, ammunition, and an improvised explosive device hidden by NPA rebels in the area. Community members noted that this recovery dealt a significant blow to the insurgent group’s operational capabilities.
Support from Wife During Negotiations
The 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) acknowledged the vital support of Ivy Angeles, also known as Marga, who is Edmar’s wife. She helped facilitate the dialogue that led to the surrender. Earlier, 36IB troops had rescued Ivy Angeles when she was wounded during a clash in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, on June 25.
Local leaders explained that the couple’s decision to surrender was partly motivated by their desire to reunite and live peacefully with their newborn child. “The relentless military operations have made it hard for Edmar to survive. He then expressed his decision to surrender after learning that his wife and child had been taken care of by the 36IB,” Lt. Col. Ante said.
Decline of NPA Presence in Surigao del Sur
Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, commander of the 901Bde, observed that the SRSDG Westland remains the only active NPA unit within their jurisdiction. However, he emphasized that this group is now in its “weakest state.”
He expressed optimism that the surrender of Edmar Maca and his brother would encourage other members of the insurgent group to follow suit, further weakening the NPA’s hold in the region.
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