The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson, Director Winston Casio, was relieved of his duties following an incident where he slapped a Filipino national during an operation at Central One in Bagac, Bataan, on October 31.
According to PAOCC Executive Director Usec. Gilberto Cruz, tension reportedly escalated during the operation. After processing over 800 Filipinos employed at the site and informing them that they would be released, the workers allegedly began shouting.
"Pinalabas po ni Dr. Casio ‘yung isang tao naming para tignan kung ano ‘yung commotion na nangyayari. Iyon nga po, pinagmumura ‘yung tauhan naming tapos ayun nga ho na-dirty finger. Pinahanap po iyon," Usec. Cruz said in an exclusive interview with DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Tuesday.
"Noong makita po iyon, kinausap ni Dr. Casio at sinermunan. After the sermon, umamin naman daw po ‘yung tao. Pero sabi ko nga, kahit sana na lang finile-an na lang natin ng kaso, hindi na lang sana nasaktan," he added.
He further noted that it wasn't just PAOCC officials who were cursed at and given the middle finger by the Filipino national, but also the media personnel present during the operation.
Cruz stated that he informed Director Casio that he would be subjected to an administrative investigation and would need to be relieved of his duties as PAOCC spokesperson until the investigation is concluded.
Furthermore, a temporary replacement will be appointed as PAOCC spokesperson.
"Automatic po iimbestigahan iyan and of course we will be locating ‘yung complainant niya para po makunan natin ng statement at pagfilin ng complaint kung gusto niya pong magreklamo pa. Ang alam ko kasi parang nag-ayos na sila noon," said Cruz.
Before the slapping incident, the Filipino national was allegedly given a choice to either be sued or slapped. Furthermore, the individual admitted to using offensive language, which greatly provoked Casio.
On November 4, Usec. Cruz issued a memorandum to Director Casio, directing him to provide an explanation regarding the incident.
"In order to ensure a comprehensive and fair investigation into this matter, you are hereby directed to submit a written explanation within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving this memorandum. Your immediate response is crucial, as it will significantly influence the Office's consideration of any subsequent actions. It is critical for you to comprehend that any failure to provide your explanation will be deemed a waiver of your right to contribute to this process," the memorandum read.
Dir. Casio's response
In a text message, Dr. Casio apologized to everyone involved in the operation, stating that the incident tarnished the image of the operation.
"I was not able to control myself sa ginawa sa bata at sa kaibigan ko na parang ate ang turing ko. Pero I will man up. I am willing to face the music po," said Casio.
He further confirmed that he gave the Filipino national a choice—whether the agency would file a case for unjust vexation or if he would simply be slapped. The Filipino national allegedly chose to be slapped instead.
Casio acknowledged that his actions were wrong and stated that he would face the consequences of his behavior.
