Surigao del sur: The wife of a commanding officer of the New People's Army (NPA) played a crucial role in facilitating the surrender of her husband and his brother to the authorities. In a statement on Monday, the Army's 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) revealed that Edmar Maca, also known as Renren, who served as the commanding officer of Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland, along with his brother Michael, known as "Datu," surrendered to Lt. Col. Joselito Ante, commander of the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB). The surrender took place on August 22, 2025, in Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur.

According to Philippines News Agency, the surrender was facilitated by the efforts of Edmar's wife, Ivy Angeles, also known as Marga, who provided significant support during the negotiations. The 36IB troops had earlier rescued Angeles after she was wounded in an encounter in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, on June 25. The surrender led to the recovery of two high-powered firearms, ammunition, and an improvised explosive device that had been concealed by NPA rebels in the area.

The 901Bde emphasized that the couple's decision to surrender was influenced by their desire to reunite with their newborn child and live peacefully as a family. '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,' Ante stated in the announcement.

Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, commander of the 901Bde, remarked that the SRSDG Westland is now the only remaining NPA unit in the area and is in its weakest state. 'With the surrender of Renren and his brother, we anticipate more members of the group to follow,' Sadural stated.