Gov't says ready to resume talks with rebels

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government said yesterday that it remains open to continue peace discussions with the leftist rebels but the latter must show some goodwill and sincerity.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda made the statement amid reports that the leftist New People's Army (NPA) members, who attacked government troops this week in southern province of Compostela Valley, using explosive devices with bacteria and deadly toxin.

Army doctors reportedly found traces of human feces and snake venom in wounds of the seven soldiers wounded during Tuesday's attack.

"The position of our government is that we are open on the peace process. (But) what we need is sincerity," he said.

The government panel negotiating peace with the NPA said it may resume peace talks with the insurgents if they agree on a new negotiating framework. Government negotiators added that the NPA should have a clear agenda for ending violence and bringing peace in the country.

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