Gov't condemns landmine blast

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government condemned today landmine attack allegedly perpetrated by the leftist New People's Army (NPA) against government troops in southern province of Compostela Valley.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said an incident like this is the reason why it's "difficult" for the government to return to the negotiating table with the leftist rebels.

At least seven soldiers were wounded when the NPA rebels detonated an improvised bomb early Tuesday in Pantukan town when the troops of Army's 28th Infantry Battalion were patrolling the area.

The NPA, an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging war against the government for over four decades.