Muslim separatists say 12 killed in clash with army

Muslim separatists have accused Philippine troops of violating a cease-fire agreement by attacking the home of a rebel leader in the country's south.

They say at least eight rebels and four soldiers were killed in the gunbattle.

But an army spokesman disputed the rebel account and said soldiers patrolling the area came under fire from 30 "heavily armed lawless elements" and fought back.

The ensuing three-hour gunbattle left seven gunmen but no government troops dead, he said.

Major Johnny Macanas, spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division, said troops also recovered four M-16 rifles and a tube for a grenade launcher from the area, about 500 miles southeast of Manila.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front spokesman Eid Kabalu said the MILF has lodged a complaint against the army for the alleged violation of a cease-fire between the two sides.

The government and the rebels have agreed to a truce while peace negotiations are underway.

"If they came under fire, they should have suffered more casualties," Kabalu said, disputing the army's account. "They really attacked the position of Jamael."

He said two of the eight rebels killed were sons of Jamael. Four soldiers were also killed in the gunbattle, he said.

The MILF is fighting for a separate homeland in the southern Philippines for the Muslim minority in the area.