Ragos laid to rest; gets military honors

MANILA, Philippines — The former Army soldier shot dead by a policeman following a confrontation at a quarantine checkpoint in Quezon City last week was buried yesterday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig with full military honors.

The killing of retired corporal Winston Ragos, a former police officer’s son who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, would not affect the relations between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), a military official said.

“We don’t see any change in our relations with the PNP. Very professional ang aming samahan with the PNP,” Army spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said in an interview on dzBB.

Zagala said they just want to find out the truth in the killing of Ragos.

“We don’t want to create animosity with the PNP. What we want is an impartial investigation and for the truth to come out,” he said.

Zagala said the incident prompted Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay to review military policies and help other soldiers suffering from war shock like Ragos.

On Friday, Gapay asked the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the death of Ragos.

PNP condoles

The PNP expressed its condolences to the family of Ragos, who was accorded a hero’s burial by the Army.

“The PNP extends its condolences to his family,” PNP spokesman Brig. Bernard Banac said in a statement.

Ragos was gunned down by M/Sgt. Danny Florendo Jr. at a checkpoint in Barangay Putik after he reached into his bag for what the police claimed was a gun.

Ragos’ family maintained that he was not armed. They said his bag only contained his quarantine pass and identification cards.

A viral video caught Ragos raising his arms in surrender before he was shot two times by Florendo.  

Witnesses were also seen on the video asking Florendo and the other police trainees not to engage Ragos, saying he was mentally disturbed.

Florendo has been disarmed and placed under the restrictive custody of his superior.

The PNP is hoping that justice would be served as the judicial process into the case has started.

“Florendo was charged with homicide before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office through electronic inquest proceeding to ensure that justice is served,” Banac said.