Ex-soldier slain by cop given hero’s burial today

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army is according a hero’s burial today to a former soldier gunned down by a policeman at a quarantine checkpoint in Quezon City last Tuesday.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay had the remains of former corporal Winston Ragos transferred from a funeral parlor in Quezon City to the Army mortuary at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.

Ragos, who fought in the Marawi siege, “suffered enough” with post-traumatic stress disorder caused by “the invisible wounds of war,” according to Gapay.

“Our priority right now is to take care of  his family, ensuring they have all the resources they need during this critical time. The Philippine Army honors Ragos for his service and sacrifice that defines us as an Army,” he said.

Ragos, 34, was accorded military honors when his remains arrived at the Army mortuary yesterday, Army spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said.

The Army fetched his daughter, Irish Lovely, so she would be able to attend his burial at noon today.

Gapay earlier asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct an investigation of the incident “to find out the truth,” Zagala said in the wake of contradictory claims made by witnesses and police.

Zagala said the Army will shoulder all burial expenses and other assistance needed by Ragos’ family, adding that several donors have come forward.

NBI to probe killing

NBI spokesman Ferdinand Lavin said the Death Investigation Division would conduct a probe into the death of Ragos, who was shot by M/Sgt. Danny Florendo Jr. at a checkpoint in Barangay Pasong Putik last Tuesday.

The bureau started its investigation following a letter from the Army requesting an impartial probe. 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Florendo used his “judgment call” in the incident.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has filed homicide charges against Florendo before the prosecutor’s office.

Even though he raised his arms in surrender, Ragos was shot by Florendo when the ex-soldier reached in his bag for what the police claimed was his firearm. 

Ragos’ family denied he was armed, adding that the soldier was suffering from PTSD. His bag only contained his quarantine pass and identification cards, his kin said.

A viral video of the incident also showed that the police officers were provoking Ragos to fight back instead of deescalating the situation, despite pleas from witnesses not to engage the war-shocked soldier.

Ragos was also seen throwing his sling bag before he fell down, which the police took to a nearby vehicle without the presence of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO). 

Ragos’ family said the .38 caliber revolver with a defaced serial number recovered from the bag was planted.

The PNP’s own operational guidelines prohibit the use of excessive force except when there is imminent danger to a police officer’s life. 

Although handling of evidence should be done by the SOCO, the first responder or investigator on case may also take custody of the evidence to establish the chain of custody, according to the police manual.