PAOCC official axed after viral video shows him slapping Pogo worker

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston John Casio has been relieved of his post while he undergoes an investigation after he admitted slapping a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) worker during a raid in Bagac, Bataan.

A video being circulated online shows Casio slapping the Filipino Pogo worker twice while berating him during the PAOCC raid on Central One on Oct. 31.

In a memorandum dated Nov. 4, PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz ordered Casio to explain his actions in writing within 24 hours.

READ: Authorities raid Pogo hub in Bataan BPO company

“Furthermore, you are hereby relieved of your responsibilities as spokesperson for PAOCC effective immediately and until the completion of this investigation,” Cruz said.

In an interview on dzBB on Tuesday, Casio explained that he lost his cool after the Pogo worker supposedly cursed and flashed a dirty finger at a PAOCC member. He said that he offered the individual two options as penalty: to face charges or be slapped, with the latter opting for the second one.

“No wrong can right another wrong; thus, I apologize for reacting as I did despite the provocation that we experienced during the raid we conducted at Central One Bataan last Oct. 31, 2024. I should have simply filed the necessary charges against the person who flashed the dirty finger at us and insulted our office with vitriol,” Casio said in a separate public apology.

He also apologized to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Cruz for his actions and said he was “willing to face the music.”

The raid led by the PAOCC and police targeted Central One, which claimed to be a business process outsourcing hub although it was allegedly operating as a Pogo.

Metro Manila’s top police official, meanwhile, downplayed allegations of extortion leveled against him and 14 of his men after they raided a suspected scam hub at Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila, on Oct. 29.

“I will not tolerate any wrongdoing within our ranks, and I firmly urge the accusers to substantiate their claims in the proper forum,” National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia said on Tuesday. “The NCRPO fully welcomes any investigation into this matter, as it will provide a great opportunity to prove the regularity and legality of our actions,” he added.

Four Chinese nationals caught during the raid had asked Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla for help, claiming some policemen had asked them for P1 million each in exchange for the services of a lawyer who supposedly had links to the NCRPO and other influential authorities.