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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider De Lima mourns passing of ex-BuCor OIC, witness Ragos

De Lima mourns passing of ex-BuCor OIC, witness Ragos

Published Aug 13, 2025 04:05 pm

Rep. Leila de Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal Party-list mourned the passing of Rafael Ragos, the key government witness who testified and later recanted his statements against her in a drug case in Muntinlupa. 

“I grieve with the family and loved ones of  former NBI Deputy Director and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) OIC Rafael Ragos on his passing,” De Lima posted on Facebook on Aug. 13. 

Ragos’ passing was announced by his nephew, Winston Ragos, in a Facebook post on Aug. 12. 

“Thank you Tito Pael for your legacy in serving your family and our beloved country. RIP former NBI Deputy Director & BuCor Director General Rafael Marcos Z. Ragos,” he posted on Facebook. 

Former NBI deputy director and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) OIC Rafael Ragos (Photo from Winston Ragos' Facebook account)
Former NBI deputy director and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) OIC Rafael Ragos (Photo from Winston Ragos' Facebook account)

Another Facebook post by an Addie Lagante announced that Ragos’ remains are at the Arlington Memorial Chapels Araneta and the interment will be held on Aug. 19. 

De Lima said, “I honor his conscience in recanting his false testimonies against me which led to my acquittal in one of the trumped-up illegal drug charges. I thank him for his courage in identifying the personalities behind the conspiracy to destroy my reputation and put me in unjust detention.”

“Mr. Ragos was used but he sought redemption. He asked for forgiveness, and I gave it to him. Alam ko na isa siya sa mga ginipit para siraan at ipakulong ako sa mga gawa-gawang paratang. Salamat sa tapang at paninindigan para maituwid ang mali at mangibabaw ang katotohanan (I know he is one of those who are being pressured to defame and imprison me on fabricated charges. Thank you for your courage and determination to correct the wrong and let the truth prevail). May the Lord grant him eternal peace,” De Lima added. 

Ragos was the key government witness in case 17-165, which was filed by the Department of Justice against De Lima in February 2017. 

In his original testimony, Ragos claimed that he delivered P10 million on two occasions to De Lima’s house in November and December 2012. 

He recanted his statement against De Lima and Ronnie Dayan in an affidavit he executed on April 30, 2022. 

“I am executing this affidavit freely, voluntarily, truthfully, and without any mental reservation whatsoever, in order to absolve Sec. De Lima and Ronnie Dayan, who are completely innocent, from ·entirely false and absolutely fabricated criminal charges,” Ragos said. 

He added, “I beg the forgiveness of these innocent persons who suffered from my transgression of bearing false witness against them. I hope they find it in their heart to do so, knowing that I was only forced to transgress against them to save my own life. May God help me.” 

The case, for conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading, was dismissed by a Muntinlupa court. 

Government prosecutors filed a motion for reconsideration to reverse De Lima’s acquittal  but withdrew the motion last month. 

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