DOJ vows prompt probe into death of billionaire son’s girlfriend

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday assured prompt investigation into a high-profile case being tackled by the agency and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra made the assurance on the ongoing investigation into the death of artist Bree Jonson and the subsequent arrest and release of Julian Ongpin, the 29-year-old son of billionaire Roberto Ongpin, on Saturday.

The 30-year-old Jonson was found unconscious while Ongpin was arrested – but eventually released — after cocaine was found inside their room in a resort in San Juan, La Union

“From my end, I just want to assure everyone that this matter will be investigated thoroughly to find out the truth and to ensure that justice will be done,” Guevarra told the media via text message.

He said Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento will issue updates on the case.

Guevarra added they have yet to receive a copy of a supposed request from Jonson’s family to place Ongpin in the immigration lookout bulletin order.

PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, has ordered Police Regional Office 1 Director, Brig. Gen Emmanuel Peralta, to look into all the circumstances that led to the death of Jonson, who hails from Davao.

Ongpin reportedly told the local police that Jonson committed suicide.

“Nasampahan na ng kaukulang kasong may kinalaman sa iligal na droga ang kasintahan ni Bree Jonson na si Julian Ongpin matapos itong mag-positibo sa drug test at makuhanan ng cocaine sa kanilang inuupahang kuwarto sa isang resort sa La Union. Sa aking huling pakikipag-usap sa RD (Regional Director), PRO1 PBGen Emmanuel Peralta, nagdesisyon ang Provincial Prosecutor’s Office na palayain si Ginoong Ongpin habang ini-imbestigahan ang kaso (We have filed the appropriate cases after cocaine was recovered from the hotel room. I understand the prosecutor ordered Mr. Ongpin’s release in the meantime while the preliminary investigation is ongoing),” Eleazar said in a statement.

Local police seized some 12.6 grams of illegal drugs.

“Hinihintay lamang ng inyong PNP ang pagsasagawa at ang resulta ng autopsy sa mga labi ni Binibining Jonson upang malaman kung may karagdagang kaso na isasampa laban sa kanyang kasintahan (We are awaiting the results of the autopsy on Ms. Jonson to determine whether we should file additional charges against her boyfriend),” Eleazar added.