CAMP LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY - Soldiers of Charlie Company, 52nd Infantry (Cadre) Battalion successfully defended it's detachment in Barangay Hilumot of the municipality of San Jose De Buan, Samar against an attack staged by the New People's Army (NPA). Cadre Battalion is under the command of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

An undetermined number of NPAs believed to be operating in the forested areas of the municipality staged an attack on the army's Hilumot Detachment at around five o'clock in the early morning (5:00AM) of April 29, 2017. The soldiers in the detachment alleged that the attackers were intending to overrun the detachments based on their number.

Five (5) of the government soldiers manning the detachment were wounded during the firefight that lasted for several minutes. All five of them are currently in the army's medical facilities administered of care and needs for speedy recuperation.

On the other hand, two (2) NPAs were reported killed while others of an undetermined number were wounded based on the blood trails seen along their path of escape. One (1) AK 47 Rifle and two handheld radios were confiscated from the attacking rebels.

Philippine Army's 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division Commander, Major General Raul M. Farnacio lauded the soldiers of the Hilumot Detachment for their courage, dedication and determination in protecting and upholding the government's quest for sovereignty, peace and security of the country.

Other army detachments and police stations were immediately notified and alerted on the probability of similar attacks.

Meanwhile, government troops are still, as of press time, scouring the area for sightings and eventual arrest of the NPA-attackers whose leadership is still unidentified.