MANILA – The Philippine Army on Friday sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the fatal shooting of retired soldier Winston Ragos by a policeman.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay wrote a letter to NBI director Eric Distor requesting for an impartial investigation over supposed conflicting claims on the incident.

“Apparent prejudgement by police investigators moved the Army to seek help from the NBI so that justice may be served for Ragos and his family,” the Army said in a statement.

Ragos was fatally shot by Police Master Sgt. Daniel Florendo Jr. near a quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City on April 21.

He served in the military for 7 years and was placed on complete disability discharge due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after serving in Marawi.

“What happened to Cpl. Ragos was an unfortunate, but avoidable event. Let his death serve as an awakening on the plight of other soldiers who are being plagued by the traumas of war,” Gapay said in a statement.

In response to the incident, Gapay ordered his staff to review existing policies and programs dealing with combat stress, trauma risk management, and other health concerns related to mental health.

He also ordered his staff to look for other retired soldiers suffering from the same condition as Ragos.

“The Philippine Army prioritizes taking care of our troops and sustaining the wellbeing of our soldiers and their families,” Gapay said.

The Army said they would provide assistance to the family of Ragos.