Ragos given military honors by Philippine Army at Libingan ng mga Bayani

Retired Corporal Winston Ragos, the man who was shot by a policeman in Quezon City on April 21, was given military honors by the Philippine Army on Saturday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Ragos' remains arrived at the Army Mortuary at the Libingan ng mga Bayani at 12:15 a.m. from St. Eldridge Funeral in Quezon City.

The Army said Ragos will be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Sunday, April 26, at 12 noon.

It also said it will shoulder the burial expenses and give assistance to the family.

"We condole with the family of the late Cpl Ragos, he has suffered enough from the challenges of PTSD caused by the invisible wounds of war," Army commanding general Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay said.

"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 added.

The 34-year-old Ragos was shot at a checkpoint in Barangay Pasong Putik.

Investigation showed Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo and some police trainees from the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group were manning the checkpoint on Maligaya Drive when Ragos arrived shouting at them.

The police officers told him to go home due to the enhanced community quarantine, but Ragos allegedly ignored them and identified himself as a former member of the Philippine Army.

Ragos allegedly attempted to pull out a weapon, prompting Florendo to shoot. 

The former soldier was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

His sister however said Ragos was suffering from schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Ragos' last assignment was in Marawi City.

Gapay has ordered an investigation into Ragos’ death, to be conducted by the Army Judge Advocate in coordination with the PNP.

The Army also sought the assistance of the NBI in the probe. —KG, GMA News