MOTHER MOURNS Merlyn Ragos, mother of retired Cpl. Winston Ragos, speaks to Army Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay at her son’s wake at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig City on Saturday. Cpl. Winston, who reportedly suffered mental health problems, was fatally shot by PM Sgt. Daniel Florendo at a checkpoint in Putik village, Quezon City, after he was stopped for not wearing a face mask. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
The Philippine Army (PA) gave military honors to Cpl. Winston A. Ragos as his body arrived at the Army mortuary at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig City. Army spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said the Army had coordinated with Ragos’ family, through his mother Merlyn, in extending the honors to the late soldier. He added that the Army was making funeral and burial arrangements for Ragos at the Libingan as well as shouldering all burial expenses and other assistance needed by the family. Ragos, who was reportedly suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, was shot by PMSg. Daniel Florendo on April 21 at a checkpoint in Pasong Putik, Novaliches, Quezon City and eventually declared dead in the hospital.