Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio has been relieved from his post and is under administrative investigation for allegedly mistreating a Filipino national during a raid on a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) site in Bagac, Bataan, Malacañang confirmed on Tuesday.
A video circulating on social media shows Casio purportedly slapping a POGO worker, prompting PAOCC, chaired by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, to issue a memorandum on Monday.
The memorandum orders Casio to provide a written explanation within 24 hours and informed him that he is “relieved of responsibilities as spokesperson for PAOCC effective immediately and until the completion of the investigation.”
In a separate statement, Casio apologized for the incident, expressing regret for his actions and his willingness to face the consequences.
“I was not able to control myself sa ginawa sa bata at sa kaibigan ko na parang ate ang turing ko. Pero I will man up. I am willing to face the music po. Pinapili ko siya mag-file kami ng unjust vexation or sampalin ko sya. Pinili niya latter. Pero mali pa rin, sirs and ma’am. So, I will face the consequences,” he said.
