THE spokesman of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) was relieved from his post after he slapped the janitor of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub during a raid in Bagac, Bataan on October 31.

Winston John Casio was the person shown in a viral video assaulting a POGO worker.

In the video, Casio was seen grabbing the janitor working for Central One where the raid happened and then slapped him thrice in the face.

While PAOCC is investigating the incident, Gilbert Cruz, the agency’s executive director, gave Casio 24 hours to submit a written explanation.

Casio’s response is “crucial, as it will significantly influence the Office’s consideration of any subsequent action”, and the official’s failure to explain “will be deemed a waiver” of his right to contribute to the investigating process.

Casio was relieved from his responsibilities as spokesperson of PAOCC effective immediately until the investigation is completed.

Following the removal from Office, Casio released a public apology.

He acknowledged that what he did was wrong, saying he is willing to face the consequences of his action.

“I should have simply filed the necessary charges against the person who flashed the dirty finger at us and insulted our office with vitriol. Then again, my temper got the better of me. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa,” he said.

He asked the public not to associate his action with the Commission as he also apologized to his office.

“I apologize to my principals, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, the Chairman of PAOCC; and to Undersecretary Gilbert DC Cruz, PAOCC Executive Director. I have let them down,” he said.(LAO)

• Tags
• #Presidential Anti-Organized Commission
• #Janitor Slapped
• #Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator
• #POGO
• #Bagac Bataan
• #Winston John Casio
• #Central One
• #Gilbert Cruz
• #Public apology