Bataoil to retire as PNP relations chief; makes farewell tour

By Mar T Supnad

CAMP FLORENDO, La Union – A new director of the Philippine National Police for community relations will soon be appointed with the impending retirement of incumbent Chief Supt. Leopoldo N. Bataoil.

The regional police office here welcomed Tuesday Bataoil who is on farewell tour of PNP offices when he will leave police service on Oct. 22.

Police Chief Supt. Ramon V. Gatan, PRO1 regional police director, acted as host in the traditional arrival honors for Bataoil witnessed by police personnel.

Bataoil, a former PRO1 regional director, thanked officers, men and women of the Region 1 police and expressed appreciation for their support and cooperation during his stint as head of PRO1.
“I am very much grateful for your show of solidarity and teamwork, your exemplary work ethic and dedication to duty, your outstanding overall effort that made PRO1 the best PRO in the country, not once but twice, during my tour of duty as your Regional Director,” Bataoil said.

Waxing nostalgic, Bataoil recalled his long career as a law enforcer, including his early years as a young officer in Isabela province where he worked with then junior officer Gatan, up to reaching the rank of police director.

“I feel happy and sad at the same time,’” Bataoil said of his upcoming retirement. “I’m happy because I have had the privilege of serving our country, even risking my life for it, something that I can be proud of, giving me a sense of fulfillment. But I am also sad because I will surely miss wearing my uniform.”

His speech was often interrupted by applause from the audience.

Bataoil urged PRO1 personnel to devote their time, effort and talent in the accomplishment of their mandated mission, and he vowed to continue supporting the PNP organization even after bowing out of the police service.

On his plans after retirement, Bataoil said he is devoting his remaining days in the service to doing his job, and that he shall make his post-retirement plans known “in due time”.

Bataoil later presided over a police community relations family conference at the Masigasig Center here.- Mar T Supnad