CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga (PIA) -- The 503rd Infantry Brigade mobilized a Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team (MCSST) composed of seven teams with nine members each for deployment in the municipalities of Balbalan, Pinukpuk, Tinglayan, Pasil, Lubuagan, Tanudan and the City of Tabuk to sustain peace gains.
In a send-off ceremony held on July 17, 2023 at the Provincial Sports Center this city, ground troops from the 54th and 103rd Infantry Battalion were deployed to the MCSST mentioned areas to help sustain peace gains achieved in Communist Terrorist Groups-cleared barangays, prevent the resurgence of insurgency and insulate the unaffected ones.
1stLt. Leah Jangao, Civil Military Operations Officer of the 103rdIB, said that prior to deployment, the members of the team underwent refresher training, and were re-oriented on human rights and international humanitarian laws.
The MCSST program of the Philippine Army through Civil Military Operations is designed to continuously monitor and strengthen the programs of government thereby sustaining peace gains and development in the community.
Jangao said the Army’s MCSST program main objective is to sustain the established integrated territorial system; assist communities implement their priority projects while addressing remaining issues and concerns, and facilitate convergence of services in coordination with partner-stakeholders.
The MCSST team will continuously advocate the whole-of-nation approach in collaboration with national agencies, local government units and other stakeholders.
With the help of Kalinga Police Provincial Office mobile units, the team will immerse in the community and they will jointly deliver basic services, Jangao said.
During the send-off ceremonies, Governor James Edduba, as Chairman of the Provincial Peace and Order Council , signed a statement of consent relative to the deployment of soldiers for the conduct of peace initiatives and programs in CTG-cleared barangays.
“I call on all citizens of Kalinga to support our soldiers. While LGUs are doing their part, help us convince our “kailiyan” who are still embracing the communist ideology for them to rejoin their families and live normal lives. Talna laeng mangted namnama kanyatayo nga ag-progreso. Nu adda talna ditoy ili tayo, sigurado umay dagita businessmen ken investors ditoy Kalinga,” the Governor said.
Signatories include 503rdBrigade Commander BGen. Santiago Enginco, Kalinga Police Provincial Director PCol. Charles Domallig and Provincial Department of the Interior and Local Government Director Anthony Manolo Ballug.
Mayors of MCSST areas also signed the document as witnesses. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
