DOJ sets preliminary probe of Marawi veteran killed in quarantine checkpoint
By Jeffrey Damicog
The preliminary investigation of the charges filed against Police Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo for the killing of retired Army Corporal Winston Ragos will start in mid-June, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Monday.
“The case is now for DOJ preliminary investigation,” said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on May 18.
Guevarra said a homicide case against the policeman was filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Ragos family.
The DOJ chief said the preliminary investigation will “afford all parties concerned sufficient opportunity to present their respective evidence.”
Ragos, who took part in retaking Marawi City from terrorist groups, died last April 21 in Barangay Pasong Putik after being shot by Florendo for allegedly violating quarantine rules.
Following the shooting, Florendo was brought for inquest last April 24 before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
The retired soldier, who was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, was allegedly armed and was shouting and uttering intimidating statement against policemen manning a checkpoint in the area.
When Ragos was told to return home, he allegedly ignored the checkpoint policemen and introduced himself as a former soldier.
Video clips circulating in social media showed Ragos walking away from the checkpoint. He was followed by four policemen, including Florendo who pointed a gun at the former Army soldier.
Florendo fired shots when Ragos was seen in the act of reaching for something inside a sling bag, which the policeman claimed contained a gun but was disputed by the victim’s family.
READ MORE: Ex-soldier shot dead at checkpoint