MAYOR Jose Nadie Arceo of Hinigaran, Negros Occidental on Sunday, Sept. 3, said they need additional policemen after nine station personnel were also relieved following the relief of Senior Inspector Lawrence Gerald Bathan as officer-in-charge.
Arceo said he now has control over the Hinigaran Municipal Police Station.
“This is the first time I have control of the police since I assumed office,” he said.
Arceo added that he dissolved the anti-illegal drug task force he created before since he does not trust and have no control over the police then.
He said that he created the task force as the police before only arrested those they wanted to be apprehended while they did not arrest those he wanted to be arrested.
Arceo had requested the relief of Bathan because they could not agree in the campaign against illegal drugs.
Chief Inspector Jake Barila has been assigned to replace Bathan.
The relief of Bathan prompted nine other Hinigaran policemen to request for re-assignment to other police units.
Arceo said the nine Hinigaran policemen were replaced by only three.
Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, had earlier assured the town officials that they will be given priority in the deployment of personnel from the Regional Public Safety Battalion 18.
