The ceremony was presided by Major General Jose Eriel M Niembra, commander of 10th Infantry Division (ID).
Prior to Babac’s appointment as the new commander of the Brigade, the latter served as the Chief of Staff of the 10th ID for two years.
He also served as chief of operations division and intelligence division of Eastern Mindanao Command. He also saw action as the Battalion Commander of 73rd Infantry Battalion, operating in the Provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental and Saranggani.
During his stint as Battalion Commander, his troops figured in a decisive encounter against Guerrilla Front 75 that led to its eventual dismantling of the said front. Barangays in 73IB area of responsibility freed from rebel presence declared the rebels to be persona non-grata in 2015.
This notable accomplishment earned distinct credit from the Philippine Army leadership, as he shared 73IB best practices more than 20 times in different fora. His numerous awards and decorations, coming from both the military and civilian stakeholders to name a few is the outstanding achievement award for the province of Davao del Sur. In 2017, no less that former President Rodrigo Duterte awarded him the Cavalier Award for Army Operations during PMA alumni homecoming as an outstanding alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy.
Babac replaces Brigadier General Jesus Durante lll who is now in the custody of the Philippine Army headquarters after he was tagged in the murder of businesswoman-model Yvonette Chua Plaza on December 29, 2022.
Durante alongside his deputy Colonel Michael Licyayo and other military personnel may face grave penalties that could include separation from the military service and even imprisonment should the charges against them are proven under court martial proceedings.
Colonel Ronnie Babac