Army chief orders probe on Ragos’ shooting; confirms soldier had mental condition

Army commanding general Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay has ordered an investigation on the death of a retired military personnel after being shot by a Quezon City cop.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Philippine Army said the probe would be conducted by the Army Judge Advocate in coordination with the Philippine National Police to give justice to the death of former soldier, Corporal Winston Ragos.

The Army confirmed that Ragos was diagnosed with a mental disorder. Earlier reports said Ragos' last assignment in the military was in Marawi.

"In January 2017, Ragos was given a complete disability discharge from his military service, complete with pension and other assistance, after being diagnosed with a mental disorder (PTSD)," the Army said.

"To a soldier, the wounds of war are not just physical but also mental and their scars are not always visible," the Army added.

Meanwhile, Army spokesman Colonel Ramon Zagala clarified that Ragos was not deployed in Marawi.

"He was not in Marawi. Although he served in combat in Camarines Norte in 2010," Zagala told reporters.

The Army also expressed condolences to the bereaved families of Ragos: "We sincerely condole with his family for this unfortunate event."

The PNP's Internal Affairs Service already started its independent probe on the incident, according to PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa.

Gamboa has defended the action of Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo, the cop who shot Ragos, noting that the former had prior knowledge that the suspect was armed contrary to the claim of the family that he was not. — RSJ, GMA News