LTO-7 appoints first female RLES head

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) has reached a milestone in its law enforcement operations with the appointment of Atty. Geralgin Balatucan as the first woman to serve as chief of the agency’s Regional Law Enforcement Service (RLES).

Balatucan led a major law enforcement operation along V. Rama Avenue in Cebu City, accompanied by LTO-7’s newly hired female law enforcement officers and the agency’s Regional Law Enforcement Team.

According to LTO-7, the operation highlighted the agency’s continuing efforts to strengthen road safety enforcement while promoting professionalism and inclusive leadership within the organization.

LTO-7 Director Atty. Wendel Dinglasan said the appointment of Balatucan and the deployment of more women law enforcers reflect the agency’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality in a profession traditionally dominated by men.

The agency said the move demonstrates that leadership in law enforcement is based on competence, integrity, professionalism, and dedication to public service rather than gender.

“This is more than an enforcement operation, it is a testament to the growing role of women in public service and law enforcement. LTO Region 7 remains committed to fostering an organization where leadership is earned through merit, professionalism, and dedication to serving the Filipino people,” LTO-7 said in a statement.

LTO-7 added that it reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing road safety across Central Visayas while creating an inclusive workplace that empowers qualified personnel, regardless of gender, to assume leadership roles and contribute to public service. — /MRM (FREEMAN)