DOJ sets hearing on ex-soldier’s slay next month

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) will conduct next month a preliminary investigation on the killing of retired Army corporal Winston Ragos near a quarantine checkpoint in Quezon City last April.

“Hearing set in mid-June,” DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a text message to reporters yesterday.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the family of Ragos filed a charge of homicide against M/Sgt. Daniel Florendo Jr. before the DOJ.

As for allegations that a .38 caliber revolver was “planted” in Ragos’ pouch, Guevarra said, “All evidence will come out during the preliminary investigation. Let us just wait for it, in fairness to all parties involved.”

A viral video showed that Florendo shot Ragos twice after the victim allegedly did not follow the police officer’s orders on April 21.