Relieved Paocc spokesperson under investigation – Bersamin
Winston Casio (PNA photo)
MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc) Director Winston Casio, who was relieved as spokesperson of the agency, is currently under administrative investigation for slapping a man during an operation in Bataan.
“[He is] under administrative investigation. Relieved as Paocc spokesperson and ordered to explain [his] actuations in writing,” Bersamin told Palace reporters in a Viber message on Tuesday, referring to Casio.
The slapping incident occurred last October 31 during a raid on Central One in Bagac town, which is a suspected Philippine offshore gaming operator.
Earlier the day, Paocc Executive Director Gilbert Cruz confirmed with INQUIRER.net that Casio has been relieved from his post.
Cruz also shared Casio’s response when confronted about the incident: “I was not able to control myself.”
Article continues after this advertisement“I will man up. I am willing to face the music. Pinapili ko siya mag-file kami ng unjust vexation or sampalin ko siya. Pinili niya ‘yung latter. Pero mali pa rin. So I will face the consequences,” Casio said.
(I will man up. I am willing to face the music. I asked him to choose: face an unjust vexation charge or I’ll slap him. He chose the latter. But it’s still wrong. So I will face the consequences.)
