PAOCC Relieves Spox Winston Casio For “Slapping” POGO Worker

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has relieved spokesperson Winston Casio for allegedly slapping a worker of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

Footage of the incident made rounds on social media, while PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz ordered Casio to explain the incident in writing within 24 hours.

READ: 700 Filipinos Rescued From Bataan POGO Hub Involved in Online Sports Betting Scams

“Furthermore, you are hereby relieved of your responsibilities as spokesperson for PAOCC effective immediately and until the completion of this investigation,” the memo said, as reported by ABS-CBN News.

The video showed Casio slapping a POGO worker who was cursing and raising the middle finger at government officials in the middle of the Bataan raid last October 31, 2024.

The POGO and scam hub was allegedly fronting as a business process outsourcing company in Central One in Bagac, Bataan.

“I was not able to control myself sa ginawa sa bata at sa kaibigan ko na parang ate ang turing ko (I was not able to control myself for what he did to my underling, and a friend who I consider my sister.)” Casio said about the slapping incident.

“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 siya. Pinili niya latter. Pero mali pa rin sirs and maam. So I will face the consequences (I made him choose if we will file unjust vexation charges against him or if I should slap him. He chose the latter. But sirs and maams, it’s still inappropriate. So I will face the consecquences.)”

Read related article: PAGCOR urged to aid in returning workers of closed POGOs to their countries