FIVE New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed during an encounter with government troops between Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur provinces particularly in Tagaloan II, Lanao del Sur early last week, the military officials said Monday.   Army’s 4th Infantry Division public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero said the troops from the First Special Forces Battalion under the Special Forces Regiment encountered more or less 30 rebels reportedly belonging to the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee in Barangay Gayakay.   The firefight in the vicinity of Barangay Gayakay, Tagoloan II, Lanao del Sur lasted for more than an hour, said Cordero.   Cordero said the operating troops were able to recover one M14, three M16, and two Garand rifles in the clash site.   “Bodies of the rebels are recovered,” said Cordero, adding that there was no reported casualty on the government side.   He said that a pursuit operation is ongoing to capture those rebels who were able to escape.   4ID Commander Major General Andres Centino urged the remaining communists to surrender and avail the government's program for them.   Centino also called the remaining NPA rebels to lay down their arms and join the government’s call for peace, and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) so they will have a peaceful and productive life with their family.   Centino also expressed condolences to the families of the killed rebels and assured them that the fatalities will be given a decent burial.   Cordero said that the 1st Special Forces Battalion has already coordinated with the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office for the bodies' proper disposition. (Ben Balce)