The Philippine Army rendered military honors to slain Corporal Winston Ragos before his burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City today.
Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, Army chief, said the military coordinated with the family of Ragos through his mother, Merlyn, for the funeral and burial arrangements at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The remains of Ragos were brought from St. Eldridge Funeral in Quezon City to Libingan ng mga Bayani around 12:15 a.m. yesterday.
Aside from Ragos’ mother, also present during the simple ceremony was his daughter, Lovely, and other relatives.
“We condole with the family of the late Corporal Ragos. He has suffered enough from the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder caused by the invisible wounds of war. Our priority right now is to take care of his family ensuring they have all the resources they need during this critical time,” Gapay said.
The Army chief had earlier sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation in conducting an impartial investigation on the death of Ragos.
Ragos, who was mentally challenged, was shot dead by Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo of the Quezon City Police District Station 5 (Fairview), amid a confrontation in a checkpoint in Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City last Tuesday.
In a letter addressed to acting NBI Director Eric Distor, Gapay sought help for the conduct of a probe “in view of the apparent conflicting claims of police operatives involved, witness accounts, and materials available from open sources, to include footages of the incident.”
“Apparent prejudgement by police investigators moved the Army to seek help from the NBI so that justice may be served for Ragos and his family,” Gapay said.
Philippine National Police chief Police Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa has instructed the QCPD to probe Ragos’ death.
Gapay said Ragos’ death has raised awareness and concern on the plight of soldiers suffering from mental health disorders incurred during their military service.
Gapay ordered the Army staff to review existing policies and programs dealing with combat stress, trauma risk management, and other health concerns related to mental health.
He also encouraged the kin of retired soldiers suffering from the same conditions to surface for the provision of appropriate assistance.
“What happened to Corporal Ragos was an unfortunate but avoidable event. Let his death serve as an awakening on the plight of other soldiers who are being plagued by the traumas of war,” Gapay said. (Martin A. Sadongdong)