Ex-Soldier Shot Dead by Checkpoint Cop Laid to Rest with Full Military Honors
Retired Army Corporal Winston Ragos was given full military honors as he was laid to rest Sunday, April 26, 2020, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
Ragos was honored with a 21-gun salute before he was interred at 12 noon.
The Philippine flag draped over his casket during the wake was handed to his mother, Merlyn Ragos.
Ragos's young daughter, Irish, was also present at the interment of her father.
His wife, Michele, could not return home from Taiwan, where she works, because of the lockdown in place in the Philippines.
Coordinating with Ragos's mother, the Armed Forces of the Philippines took charge of the Libingan ng mga Bayani ceremony and also shouldered the funeral expenses.
Ragos's hospital bills and other necessities were paid for with the donations to his family.
Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, in a statement on April 25, said: "We condole with the family of the late Cpl. Ragos.
"He has suffered enough from the challenges of PTSD (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.
"The Philippine Army honors Ragos for his service and sacrifice that defines us as an Army.”
Ragos was diagnosed with PTSD following his combat duty in Camarines Norte in 2010.
Only 34 years old, Ragos was fatally shot by Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo Jr. during a heated exchange near a checkpoint at Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City, on Tuesday, April 21.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) filed a homicide complaint against Florendo on Friday, April 24.
The Army, Philippine National Police, and National Bureau of Investigation are presently conducting separate Investigations of the shooting.