Solon seeks psychological training for cops following Ragos shooting

ACT-CIS party-list Representative Niña Taduran on Sunday proposed that law enforcers undergo comprehensive psychological training in order to properly address situations involving distressed persons and those suffering from mental illness.

Taduran made the call following the shooting of retired Army Corporal Winston Ragos by Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo for supposedly violating protocols on the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

Ragos, who was suffering from schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder, was killed in the incident.

“Maximum tolerance should have been observed in dealing with violators of the enhanced community quarantine especially at this time when everyone’s getting agitated and depressed because of the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation,” Taduran said in a statement.

“It was obvious that Ragos was mentally ill when, according to reports, he approached the policemen manning the checkpoint and hurled invectives on them, for no apparent reason,” he added.

According to Taduran, RA 11036, or the Mental Health Act, protects the rights of those who are suffering from mental illness.

“Maybe it’s time to look at the Philippine Mental Health Act because it does not cover how law enforcers should deal with people who are suffering from mental illness,” she said.

Taduran added that mental health support for battle-scarred police and military personnel may help in reducing incidents similar to that of Ragos.

Ragos was laid to rest on Sunday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Florendo, meanwhile, was facing a homicide complaint over the death of the retired soldier. — DVM, GMA News