CHR to probe relieved PAOCC exec’s ‘mistreatment’ of worker

Relieved PAOCC Spokesperson Winston Casio (PNA photo)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights’s (CHR) Central Luzon office will launch its own probe into the alleged mistreatment of a Filipino worker by now relieved Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Spokesperson Winston Casio.

Casio was relieved from his post on Tuesday after a video circulated online of him slapping the worker during the October 31 raid on Central One, a business process outsourcing company in Bagac town in Bataan province suspected to be a Philippine offshore gaming operator.

Casio explained that the provocation stemmed from the Filipino worker flashing PAOCC operatives the middle finger but recognized that “temper got the better of him.”

“The Commission believes such behavior does not justify any form of physical retaliation from a public official,” the CHR said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Any act of aggression, regardless of circumstance, undermines the trust and erodes the essential connection between the government and the people,” it added.

CHR reminded that government personnel were bound by the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

“We urge all public servants to commit to respecting the rights and dignity of all Filipinos, regardless of the situation, in adherence to the values enshrined in our Constitution and laws,” the CHR said.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed on Tuesday that Casio was under administrative investigation for the incident.