Ex-priest Fr. Batoon laid to rest

LAOAG CITY (Oct. 2) – Former Catholic priest Fr. Roberto Batoon, a cancer victim, was laid to his final resting place at the Catholic cemetery here yesterday, October 1. His priests-colleagues came in full force and attended his funeral.

Earlier, Bishop Renato Mayugba offered a Holy Mass for Fr. Batoon, who died of cancer at age 69. In his wake and burial, the church allowed relatives to dress him with his priestly robe.

Fr. Joey Ranjo, Laoag diocese spokesman, said that Fr. Batoon served the Diocese of Laoag for more than 20 years till his last assignment in Hawaii.
He clarified that Fr. Batoon voluntarily quit priesthood while he was in Hawaii contrary to rumor that he was ousted.

The ex-priest returned from Hawaii to his hometown in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte where he battled cancer until his death.(theo s. guiang/bbr)