FILE PHOTO: Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Director Gilbert Cruz relieves Winston Casio (in photo) of his duty as spokesperson of the agency for allegedly mistreating a Filipino man. Cruz issued a memo directing Casio to explain in writing his role in the October 31 incident that was caught on CCTV. The video has been circulating on social media. Casio’s relief as PAOCC spokesperson took effect on Monday, November 4, 2024. (PNA photo)
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc) Director Winston Casio was relieved of his duty as spokesperson of the agency for allegedly mistreating a Filipino man.
Paocc Executive Director Gilbert Cruz on Tuesday shared with INQUIRER.net a copy of his memo citing Casio’s involvement in the October 31 incident at Central One in Bagac, Bataan, that was raided by authorities over suspicion that the company is a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo).
Cruz’s memo directed Casio to explain in writing his role in the incident that was caught on CCTV. The video has been circulating on social media.
It also ordered Casio’s relief as spokesperson, which took effect on Monday, November 4, “to ensure a comprehensive and fair investigation.”
According to Casio, the incident stemmed from the Filipino man flashing a dirty finger at Paocc operatives during the raid.
READ: ‘Pogo hub’ in Bataan seems into ‘black market banking’ – PAOCC
In a Viber message, Cruz likewise shared Casio’s initial response when confronted about the incident: “Pinapili ko siya: mag-file kami ng unjust vexation or sampalin ko siya. Pinili niya ‘yung latter. Pero mali pa rin.”
(I asked him to choose: face an unjust vexation charge or I slap him. He chose the latter. But it’s still wrong.)
In a separate statement also on Tuesday, Casio said: “I should have simply filed the necessary charges against the person who flashed the dirty finger at us and insulted our office with vitriol. Then again, my temper got the better of me.”
“As I embark on a period of reflection during this most humbling time, I subject myself to whatever administrative measures that the Commission will impose,” he added.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed to Palace reporters that Casio is under administrative investigation.