THE Philippine Army, through the 503rd Infantry Brigade (503IB) of the 5th Infantry Division, has officially deployed seven teams of their Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Team (MCSST) to six municipalities in Kalinga. Composed of members from the 103rd Infantry (Mabalasik) Battalion and the 54th Infantry (Magilas) Battalion, the MCSST teams will be stationed in Tabuk City, Balbalan, Pinukpuk, Lubuagan, Pasil, and Tinglayan. Their mission is to preserve peace, foster development, and enhance government programs and services in the province. Brig. Gen. Santiago Enginco of the 503IB delivered his message, emphasizing the teams' vital role in maintaining peace in remote communities. They will also serve as the bridge between the government and the people. He also said that this deployment is a form of conventional military approach that will further address issues. He stressed that communist rebels allegedly exploit and deceive the community folk in far-flung communities. The MCSST supports the Philippine Army's mission to prevent communist terrorist groups' reoccupation and promotes the campaign for a ''whole-of-nation'' approach in partnership with the local government units (LGUs) and other line agencies. They ensure uninterrupted delivery of government services through community immersion and engagement to address the people's needs. The seven teams began their community operations on Monday, July 17, in their respective areas of assignment, and once their goals are achieved, supervision will be handed over to the LGUs and the Philippine National Police in the area.