Malacañang confirmed on Tuesday, November 5, that Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Dr. Winston John Casio was relieved from his post after a video went viral showing him hitting a Filipino employee of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) during a raid in Bagac, Bataan, last week.
The Palace, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, confirmed to reporters after a memorandum dated November 4 from PAOCC executive director Gilberto Cruz showed Casio was stripped of his responsibilities while an inquiry into the incident is underway.
The memo noted that the hitting incident had been “documented,” with the footage currently circulating on social media platforms.
“In order to ensure a comprehensive and fair investigation into this matter, you are hereby directed to submit a written explanation within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving this memorandum. Your immediate response is crucial, as it will significantly influence the Office’s consideration of any subsequent actions,” the letter read.
“It is critical for you to comprehend that any failure to provide your explanation will be deemed a waiver of your right to contribute to this process. Furthermore, you are hereby relieved of your responsibilities as spokesperson for PAOCC effective immediately and until the completion of this investigation,” it added.
According to Bersamin, Casio was under administrative investigation.
Casio apologized
In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, Casio expressed regret for slapping one of the employees, stating that it was improper.
Casio clarified that certain Filipino employees of the raided company cursed one of their employees and media representatives.
He claimed that the person who gave them the finger was identified by the media and their employees.
Casio then informed the person that he would charge them with unjust vexation.
“Admittedly naman po mali ako doon sa aking ginawa. Pero sabi ko naman sa explanation letter na binigay ko po kahapon, I’m willing to face the music kasi mali din naman talaga,” Casio said.
“Sabi ko nga, ang binastos mo, hindi ‘yung staff, hindi ‘yung bata. This is a legitimate operation. Nung dinirty finger mo kami, ang dinirty finger mo is the PAOCC… headed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines,” Casio added.
Casio said he slapped the person three times but not that it was not “strong.”
“Pero at the end of the day, I still apologize. That is erroneous on my part. Dapat po tinuloy ko na lang ‘yung kaso,” he said. (TCSP)
