MANILA, Philippines, November 01, SPA -- Philippine soldiers backed byair support killed 19 Muslim separatist rebels in separateclashes in the country's troubled south, the military said. Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, spokesman for the military's 6thInfantry Division, was quoted as saying by Associated Press that soldiers backed by rocket-firing planes encountered about 100 Moro Islamic Liberation Frontinsurgents Friday in three separate areas in a marshyregion in Maguindanao province. 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.»--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/603244