Not all is going well in the Philippines’ crack down on offshore gaming operators (POGOs), as a top official with one of the groups leading the shutdown operation has been relieved from his post and subject to an administrative investigation.
Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesperson Winston Casio is accused of mistreatment of a Filipino national during a raid on a POGO hub in Bagac, Bataan.
The presidential palace (Malacañang) confirmed the firing on Tuesday to media, after footage circulated of Casio slapping a POGO worker during a raid that took place on October 31st.
A memorandum was issued after the incident was revealed, giving Casio 24 hours to respond in writing about his actions. The memorandum also informed Casio that he was relieved of his position ‘effective immediately and until the completion of the investigation’.
Casio has been informed that his failure to respond will ‘be deemed a waiver of your right to contribute to this process’.
Philippine authorities have been ardently going after illegal POGO operations in the country since the president mandated the closure of all offshore gaming operations by December 31st.
Information about raids and arrests happens weekly now as authorities aim to make good on their promise to eradicate all offshore gaming in the country by the proposed deadline.
