LINGAYEN -- Congressman Leopoldo Bataoil described the retirement plan of the remaining members of PMA Magilas Class of 1976 before their birthdays, which is their respective retirement date, as an "act of selflessness."
Among the members of the class is Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Jesus Verzosa who will turn 56 years old on December 25.
"The early retirement of PNP Chief Verzosa and other remaining PNP members of my batch is another first in the PNP. It is a milestone where we set a very good example of paving way for career advancement of younger officers to lead the PNP," Bataoil stressed.
"Surely upon retirement, my batch will continue to make a difference in good governance be it in private or public office," he remarked.
Among the positions held by Bataoil before he retired from the police service were as head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation (DIPO)-Northern Luzon, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), head of the Directorate for Police Community Relations and as PNP Spokesperson.
Usually, PNP officers retire from the service (and are given retirement testimonial honors at Camp Crame) on the day of their 56th birthday.
Bataoil himself retired from the service last year ahead of his birthday.
He said Police Deputy Director General Jefferson Soriano, Police Director Abner Cabalquinto, Police Director Luizo Ticman will retire ahead of the PNP chief and before their retirement dates.
Last week, Police Directors Edgardo Acuna and Romeo Hilomen also retired ahead of their retirement dates.
"It is an act of selflessness that we have to pave the way for underclassmen to move up in the career ladder. It will trigger a lot of movement, one key position vacated will trigger a movement upward," Bataoil explained.
"Our brand of leadership and professionalism is recognized by many sectors especially the present administration. Police Dir. Magtanggol Gatdula earned the respect and trust of President Aquino. Now, he is the NBI director," Bataoil remarked. (Liway C. Manantan-Yparraguirre)