MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Two Philippine soldiers and 10 members of a Muslim rebel group opposed to a government peace accord died in a clash Thursday, a day after the president submitted legislation to Congress to create a new Muslim autonomous region, a military commander said.

Pursuing troops caught up with about 20 rebels who had attacked an army detachment in North Cotabato province, triggering a firefight, Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan said. He said six soldiers were wounded in the two-hour gunbattle.