Army asks NBI help to investigate death of ex-corporal

April 24, 2020

The Philippine Army sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the death of a former soldier who was shot by a policeman in Quezon City.

Lt. General Gilbert Gapay, Army chief, said he requested for an NBI probe on the death of Winston Ragos ''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 (Cpl. Winston) Ragos and his family," said Col. Ramon Zagala, Army spokesman.

Ragos, a former  corporal suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), was shot dead by Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo on Tuesday at a quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City.

Zagala said "the incident, has also raised awareness and concern on the plight of soldiers suffering from mental health disorders incurred during their military service."

"The CGPA (Commanding General Philippine Army) 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 said.

Gapay said the Philippine Army puts premium on the wellbeing of its personnel, active or retired, specially those who have left the service with “scars of war” and those who suffered mental challenges in the line of duty like  Ragos.

“What happened to Cpl. 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," he said.

"The Army assures the family of Ragos that it will extend to them the assistance they need,” said Gapay.

Gapay also ordered to look for the other retired soldiers suffering from the same conditions as Ragos to give appropriate assistance.

“The Philippine Army prioritizes taking care of our troops and sustaining the well being of our soldiers and their families,” Gapay said.

Zagala said the assistance to the Ragos and his family is being facilitated to ease the burden of their loss. Robina Asido/DMS