Davao City, Philippines  - Two soldiers were killed when a landmine planted by communist rebels exploded in the southern Philippines, a regional army spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Captain Rosa Maria Cristina Rosete Manuel said three soldiers were also wounded in the explosion late Monday in the outskirts of Davao City, 990 kilometres south of Manila.

Manuel said the rebels detonated the landmine as the military truck carrying the victims passed by on a highway in Paquibato district.

The attack occurred even as the government and communist rebel peace panels were preparing for the resumption of peace negotiations, which have been stalled since 2004.

Communist rebels have been fighting the government since the late 1960s, making the movement one of the longest-running leftist insurgencies in Asia.  (dpa)