Activists break into Philippine palace

MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Militant Philippine students denouncing the Arroyo administration provoked a brief but violent clash with palace guards Wednesday.

At least 20 protesters of the 200 on hand were arrested.

The youths denounced the "excessive" spending by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during a recent visit to the United States. the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

What started out as a sit-in escalated when the students broke onto the palace grounds. The tussel with guards lasted about 10 minutes, the report said.