By Ma. Irish Joy M. Sabio, Intern

Newly-installed Hinigaran Municipal Police Station commander, Police Chief Inspector Jake Barila, described the absence of most cops in the station as “separation anxiety,” Saturday.
This was when most of the police officers of Hinigaran did not report for active duty after the appointment of Barila immediately following the relief of Police Senior Insp. Lawrence Gerald Bathan.
Barila was appointed as the new chief of the station by the PNP hierarchy stemming from the rift between Bathan and Hinigaran Mayor Jose Nadie Arceo.
In an interview, Barila said the members of the station were unhappy with the sudden change at first but in the end were gradually able to accept him. Then new chief is a personal choice of Arceo.
He added, members of the station are now cooperating well especially in the campaign against illegal drugs.
Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) Director Police Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil went to Hinigaran Police Station last Friday for a conference with the police and warned the chronic absentees to submit an explanation./WDJ