Oppus to retire from service tomorrow

CEBU, Philippines - The high-ranking police official who has been known for his “unpopular” ways in handling office officially retires from the service tomorrow upon reaching the mandatory age of 56.

 Chief Supt. Louie Oppus, former chief of the Firearms and Explosives Office, had his retirement honor at the Police Regional Office-7 Friday afternoon as he turned over his PNP badge to Deputy Director General, Marcelo Garbo.

“I did not choose to be a police officer to be popular but I just knew I become popular to my unpopular ways,” Oppus said in his speech.

In his 34 years in the service, Oppus was known for being strict in his policies when it comes to duties and responsibilities of being a police officer.

Oppus thanked the men and women of PRO-7, stakeholders, his upper classmen of 1981, his family and friends, for molding him for being the person he is today.

“They had a great part to what I have become…to General Garbo, kami ang inyong produkto that the PMA is always about courage, loyalty and integrity… wouldn’t have turn out of what I wanted to be but I hope I can still be a blessing to others in the way I can,” he said.

He was given the Medalya ng Katapatan and Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod as well as a plaque of appreciation by the PRO-7 Director, Chief Supt. Danilo Constatino for his professionalism, competence, invaluable and incomparable service to the people.

Oppus hails from Bohol province. He was part of the Maharlika Class of 1984.

Oppus served as member of the Special Action Force as aid of former president Fidel Ramos before he was assigned as police director in Bohol province for five years. He was then elevated as police director of Lapu-Lapu City.

He was also assigned as deputy regional director for operation of PRO-7 before he became an executive officer of Directorate for Integrated Police Office. He was transferred to Camp Crame and earned a one-star status heading the Civil Security Group then as chief of Firearms and Explosives Division.

Among of the numerous awards and commendations he received were Presidential merit Medal from President Ramos in 1998, Most Outstanding Peace and order Council (Component City in Tagbilaran) Award in 1999 and Tagbilaran City Police Station was awarded in 2001 and 2002 as the best Police Station of the Year for Region 7, Best Performing Local Government Unit in the Campaign Against Illegal Drugs in region 7 awarded by former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He was also adjudged as Senior Police Commissioned Officer of the Year 2000 for Region 7 and twice for the whole province of Bohol in 2000 and 2001.  (FREEMAN)