POGO employee allegedly assaulted by PAOCC agents

An employee working at One Central Bataan was allegedly assaulted by members of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) during a raid on Oct. 31, the company's legal representative said yesterday.

- MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

Cherry Anne dela Cruz, legal counsel for One Central Bataan, said the employee, who had previously been slapped by former PAOCC spokesman Winston Casio, was also punched by another PAOCC member during the operation.

Previous reports said the employee is a Filipino janitor who had hurled invectives and flashed the dirty finger at the raiders.

The raid reportedly targeted the company on grounds of suspected human trafficking and other alleged violations, but company officials have questioned the grounds and conduct of the raid.

"One of our employees was physically mistreated—first slapped by Mr. Casio, and then punched by another PAOCC member," Dela Cruz said at a forum in Quezon City, disclosing that they are filing charges to hold those responsible accountable.

"Our employees, many of whom are young and dedicated professionals, should never have had to experience such intimidation and violence at their workplace," she added.

For Dela Cruz, the raid, which involved the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and other agencies, was "excessive and traumatic" for employees.

"They brought in hundreds of law enforcers, all in full tactical gear, and none of them wore body cameras," she said.