Ex-soldier slain in ECQ checkpoint buried a hero
Published Apr 26, 2020 12:00 am
By Martin Sadongdong
The retired soldier who was shot dead by a police officer in an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) checkpoint in Quezon City last week was finally laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Sunday.
(Philippine Army official Facebook page/MANILA BULLETIN)
The Philippine Army rendered full military honors to Retired Corporal Winston Ragos, 34, on his burial at 12 noon which was attended by his family and close friends.
The ceremony was highlighted by a 21-gun salute from face mask-wearing honor guards.
Ragos, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), died after being shot by Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo, of the Quezon City Police last April 21.
According to police, Ragos violated quarantine protocols and attempted to shoot Florendo with a caliber .38 revolver allegedly hidden in the former's sling bag. However, Ragos' family denied that he owned a gun.
"Today, we bring Corporal Ragos to his final resting place. His death has raised awareness on the plight of our soldiers suffering from PTSD," said Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, Army chief.
Gapay said the Army will revitalize its programs on trauma, combat stress, PTSD, and other mental disorders suffered by soldiers while on active military service.
Ragos was diagnosed with PTSD in 2010 after the service unit which he belonged to, the 31st Infantry Battalion of the 9th Infantry Division based in Camarines Sur, figured in an armed encounter against rebels of the New People's Army.
According to the Army, several colleagues of Ragos died during the armed encounter while he got wounded. His physical wounds may have healed but the incident left a mental scar on him which he fought until his death.
He was admitted at the V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City at least four times in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2016 for the treatment of his mental condition.
In December 2016, he was honorably discharged from the service because of his condition. It took effect on January 2017.
The Philippine Army earlier sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation in conducting an impartial probe on Ragos' death.
Colonel Ramon Zagala, Army spokesperson, said they don't want to create any animosity with the Philippine National Police (PNP), which is also conducting a probe on the incident.
He said their request for assistance from the NBI was prompted by the "pre-judgment" on the part of police investigators handling the case and "inconsistencies" on the account of the cops involved in the incident, including whether or not Ragos really owned a gun.
"We don't want to create any animosity with the PNP. We desire only what's fair, the truth. Many soldiers, both active and retired, are monitoring this case that's why it's very important for us to help him," Zagala said. "We just want to find out the truth that's why we sought for help from the NBI. We want to help his family. We leave no man behind."
(Philippine Army official Facebook page/MANILA BULLETIN)
The Philippine Army rendered full military honors to Retired Corporal Winston Ragos, 34, on his burial at 12 noon which was attended by his family and close friends.
The ceremony was highlighted by a 21-gun salute from face mask-wearing honor guards.
Ragos, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), died after being shot by Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo, of the Quezon City Police last April 21.
According to police, Ragos violated quarantine protocols and attempted to shoot Florendo with a caliber .38 revolver allegedly hidden in the former's sling bag. However, Ragos' family denied that he owned a gun.
"Today, we bring Corporal Ragos to his final resting place. His death has raised awareness on the plight of our soldiers suffering from PTSD," said Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, Army chief.
Gapay said the Army will revitalize its programs on trauma, combat stress, PTSD, and other mental disorders suffered by soldiers while on active military service.
Ragos was diagnosed with PTSD in 2010 after the service unit which he belonged to, the 31st Infantry Battalion of the 9th Infantry Division based in Camarines Sur, figured in an armed encounter against rebels of the New People's Army.
According to the Army, several colleagues of Ragos died during the armed encounter while he got wounded. His physical wounds may have healed but the incident left a mental scar on him which he fought until his death.
He was admitted at the V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City at least four times in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2016 for the treatment of his mental condition.
In December 2016, he was honorably discharged from the service because of his condition. It took effect on January 2017.
The Philippine Army earlier sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation in conducting an impartial probe on Ragos' death.
Colonel Ramon Zagala, Army spokesperson, said they don't want to create any animosity with the Philippine National Police (PNP), which is also conducting a probe on the incident.
He said their request for assistance from the NBI was prompted by the "pre-judgment" on the part of police investigators handling the case and "inconsistencies" on the account of the cops involved in the incident, including whether or not Ragos really owned a gun.
"We don't want to create any animosity with the PNP. We desire only what's fair, the truth. Many soldiers, both active and retired, are monitoring this case that's why it's very important for us to help him," Zagala said. "We just want to find out the truth that's why we sought for help from the NBI. We want to help his family. We leave no man behind."