Winston Casio, the recently relieved spokesperson of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), may face criminal charges for slapping a Filipino man during a raid in Bataan.
First paragraph: Winston Casio, the recently relieved spokesperson of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), may face criminal charges for slapping a Filipino man during a raid on a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in Bataan.
Video footage of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows Casio slapping the worker. The PAOCC has launched an internal investigation into the matter. In an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel’s “Agenda,” PAOCC Chief Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz stated that charges would be filed if sufficient evidence is found.
“Kung ano yung maging resulta doon sa imbestigasyon, kung kailangan namin siyang file-an ng kaso dahil nakakita po kami ng ebidensya doon po sa ginawa niya, then mag-fa-file po kami ng criminal charge po laban sa kaniya (On the results of the investigation, if we need to file a case because we found evidence of what he did, then we will file criminal charges against him),” Cruz said.
Casio, now on administrative status, has apologized publicly, admitting his actions were impulsive. The agency is still searching for a replacement spokesperson.
READ: Alleged POGO Boss Admits P1 Million Offer to PAOCC But Denies Bribery Attempt
On November 5, 2024, Winston John Casio, the spokesperson for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), was officially relieved from his position amid allegations of assaulting a Filipino worker during a raid on a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Bagac, Bataan.
During the October 31 raid, Casio explained that Filipino workers at the facility were told they could leave, as detaining around 950 individuals was unfeasible. Their release prompted loud cheers from the crowd, leading Casio to send an officer to monitor the situation. When a POGO worker reportedly insulted the officer, Casio confronted him, giving him a choice: face charges for unjust vexation or receive two light slaps. The worker allegedly chose the slaps, and Casio complied, delivering three slaps instead of two. Casio admitted his actions were inappropriate, attributing it to frustration
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