By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Philippine soldiers backed by air support killed 19 Muslim separatist rebels in separate clashes in the country's troubled south as the army continued operations against guerrillas blamed for attacks on civilians three months ago, the military said.
Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, spokesman for the military's 6th Infantry Division, said soldiers backed by rocket-firing planes encountered about 100 Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas Friday in three separate areas in a marshy region in Maguindanao province.
He said rebels customarily carry away their casualties, but civilian informants and intelligence sources reported that 19 guerrillas have been killed. He said three soldiers were slightly wounded and rejoined the military operation.
Rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu denied Ando's report, dismissing it as "military propaganda."
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