Military helicopters circle the skies above Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur in the Philippines as soldiers battle elements of the communist New People's Army in the eastern barangays of the town.
Initial reports indicate that the barangays of Sapang, Banbanaba, Pila, and Conconig are affected by the encounter.
One of the helicopters has also been reported to have crashed in Barangay Nagrebcan of the same town. This is as yet unconfirmed.
The incident started at about noon, 10 September 2010 Philippine Standard Time. All roads to eastern barangays have been sealed off as the military strive to control the situation.