Death of ex-soldier at quarantine checkpoint won’t affect APF-PNP working ties – Official

April 26, 2020

The Philippine Army on Sunday said the working relationship of the military and police in enforcing the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will not be affected after a former soldier was shot by a cop in Quezon City last week.

In a radio interview, Colonel Ramon Zagala, Army Public Affairs Office chief, said the two agencies have a “very professional” relationship.

“It will not have effect because all of us are just doing our duty. The Philippine National Police (PNP) is doing their job and we are supporting them,” Zagala said.

“We don’t see any change in that, our relationship is very professional,” he added.

Last April 21, former Corporal Winston Ragos was shot dead by a policeman at Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City for allegedly shouting at police manning the checkpoint and carrying a firearm.

Zagala said Ragos is suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), thus, he was allowed to retire in 2017.

He added that the victim’s father is also a retired cop.

Both the AFP and the PNP are now conducting investigation over the incident.

Zagala said the military will just let the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) handle the case.

“Our investigation is limited to our personnel only… we did our part by helping our retired soldier that we think was not given fair charge… again we don’t want to create any problems with PNP, what we desire is the truth,” he said.

Ragos was given military honors as he was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Sunday. Ella Dionisio/DMS