Julian Ongpin, suspect in Bree Jonson’s death, now on immigration watchlist – Justice Secretary Guevarra says they are considering requesting precautionary Hold Departure Orders for Julian Ongpin
The Department of Justice (DOJ) put Julian Ongpin on the immigration lookout list after the local prosecutor decided to temporarily release him pending an investigation of his case.
Ongpin is the boyfriend and companion of artist Bree Jonson, who was found lifeless in a La Union resort over the weekend.
Ongpin was arrested by the police after he tested positive for a drug test and cocaine was seized inside their room.
Jonson is a renowned Filipino contemporary artist. Her boyfriend, Julian, is the son of prominent businessman and former Trade Secretary Roberto Ongpin.
On Tuesday, September 21, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said the La Union Prosecutor’s Office temporarily released Ongpin while the probe is ongoing. According to the prosecutor’s office, it is deemed proper to hold a full-blown probe into the incident.
According to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, the immigration lookout was a request from Jonson’s mother, Sally. An Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) cannot bar anyone from leaving the country because only courts can issue Hold Departure Orders (HDO).
With this, Guevarra said they are considering requesting precautionary HDOs from courts, which prosecutors are allowed to request under recent rules when it comes to pending complaints.
“The DOJ may further consider asking the court for the issuance of a precautionary hold-departure order depending on the progress of the preliminary investigation,” the justice secretary told reporters.
Meanwhile, Eleazar said he also ordered an investigation into Jonson’s death. According to Eleazar, he already instructed Ilocos Region police chief Police Brigadier General Emmanuel Peralta to investigate all possible circumstances that led to Jonson’s death.
Based on the initial police report, Jonson’s body was found at the Flotsam Jetsam Resort in San Juan town on September 18. Ongpin claimed her girlfriend’s death was a case of suicide.
After Ongpin tested positive for illegal drugs, drug-related cases were filed against him. The police also seized 12.6 grams of cocaine inside their room, as identified by the local crime laboratory.
Jonson’s cause of death has yet to be identified pending the conduct of autopsy. Eleazar added that he also ordered all PNP units to ensure the availability of Ongpin during the course of the investigation.
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