FILE PHOTO: Presidential Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Director Gilbert Cruz relieves Winston Casio (pictured) of his duty as the agency’s spokesperson for allegedly mistreating a Filipino man. Cruz issued a memo ordering Casio to explain in writing his role in the Oct. 31 incident that was captured on CCTV. The video has been circulating on social media. Casio’s replacement as spokesperson for the PAOCC came into effect on Monday, November 4, 2024. (PNA Photo)

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential Commission Against Organized Crime (Paocc) director Winston Casio has been relieved of his position as the agency’s spokesperson for allegedly mistreating a Filipino man.

Paocc CEO Gilbert Cruz on Tuesday shared with INQUIRER.net a copy of his memo citing Casio’s involvement in the October 31 incident in Central One in Bagac, Bataan, which was raided by authorities on suspicion that the company is a Philippine offshore gaming (Pogo) operator.

Cruz’s memo ordered Casio to explain in writing his role in the incident that was captured on CCTV. The video has been circulating on social media.

READ: ‘Pogo center’ in Bataan appears to belong to ‘black market banking’ – PAOCC

He also ordered the replacement of Casio as spokesperson, which took effect on Monday, November 4, “to ensure a thorough and fair investigation.”

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In a Viber message, Cruz also shared Casio’s initial response when confronted about the incident: “I couldn’t control myself.”

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“I will be a man. I am willing to face the music. Pinapili ko siya mag-file kami ng unjust irritation or sampalin ko siya. Pinili niya ‘yung last. But bad for rin. So I will face the consequences.”

(I will be a man. I am willing to face the situation. I asked him to choose: face an unjust charge of vexation or slap him. He chose the latter. But it is still wrong. So I will face the consequences.)