DAGUPAN CITY -- Police Director Leopoldo Bataoil, Directorate for Police Community Relations, retired from the police service Thursday when he reached the mandatory retirement age for policemen.

In a telephone conversation Thursday, he said he and his family celebrated his 56th birthday simply but meaningfully.

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He said he opted for such as it is inappropriate for a big celebration because of the calamity situation where some parts of Pangasinan, his province, were badly hit by Typhoon Pepeng.

Early in the morning, he and his wife Gina attended a mass. He also offered prayers for the affected people that they be able to cope up with their situation despite the damage on their properties and sources of livelihood.

Later, he devoted his day on a physical check-up in preparation "for a more challenging endeavor in the future."

"Nakakapanibago, but I am prepared for this (retirement) as it is an eventuality I have to live with," he remarked.

Last October 16, he was tendered a Retirement Testimonial at Camp Crame hosted by his mistah PNP Chief Director General Jesus Verzosa, a fellow member of the PMA Magilas Class of 1976.

Officially out of the police service, Bataoil said he want to be remembered "as a police general who devoted his time, effort, energy and talent to the police service, enforcing laws, winning wars without firing a shot and touching people's lives."

He said he will continue with his advocacy of encouraging young Filipino men and women who are already qualified to take advantage of applying for cadetship at the Philippine Military Academy, if not, at the Philippine National Police Academy.

"This is one opportunity where you can serve your God, country and people," he said.

Likewise, with his environmental advocacy where he encourages everybody to plant trees and be part of the war against global warming.

Bataoil however would not divulge yet whether he will throw his hat in the political arena. There are rumors about him eyeing the second congressional district of Pangasinan.