THE Philippine Army's 1001st Infantry Brigade (IB) has a new commander more than a month since its former chief was involved in the killing of a Davao-based businesswoman and model.
In a press release, Colonel Ronnie Babac took over the post as the new 1001st IB commander during a formal ceremony held at the Brigade Headquarters on Friday, March 3, 2023.
The ceremony was presided over by 10th Infantry Division (10ID) commander Major General Jose Eriel Niembra.
In his speech, Babac said he will lead his brigade in serving the community.
"I promise to uphold the mandate given to me," he underscored.
The new commander also said that his leadership would continue the peace and development in the region, and would ensure that insurgency groups will not be able to return and cause terroristic and violent activities.
"We cannot allow the rebels to be back again and regain their former strongholds,” Babac said.
Prior to being appointed as the new 100st IB commander, Babac served as chief of staff of the 10ID for two years.
He also served as chief of operations division and intelligence division of Eastern Mindanao Command.
Babac was also appointed 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.
In 2017, former president Rodrigo Duterte awarded him the Cavalier Award for Army Operations during Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni homecoming as an outstanding alumnus.
Meanwhile, Durante was relieved as commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade after being named as a "person of interest" in the killing of Yvonette "Yvonne" Chua Plaza, a Davao-based businesswoman and model in late December 2022.
Army chief Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner said Durante was relieved to ensure impartial investigation on the matter.
Durante has not issued any statement after being named as mastermind in the case, but he previously denied his involvement in the matter.