The Department of Justice (DOJ) will release an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against Julian Roberto Ongpin after a drug complaint was filed against him in connection to the death of painter Bree Jonson.
Ongpin is the son of former Trade Secretary and property developer Alphaland chair Roberto Ongpin. According to reports, he was the last companion of Jonson, who was found dead inside a hostel in La Union on September 18. Local authorities have found 12.6 grams of cocaine in the room shared by Ongpin and Jonson. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said Ong tested positive for drugs.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that he had already received the call from Jonson’s mother to put Ongpin under the lookout list.
“Considering that charges for violation of the Dangerous Drugs Law have been filed against Julian Ongpin, the DOJ will issue an immigration lookout bulletin order,” Guevarra said.
The justice department is also looking at requesting the issuance of a preliminary hold departure order “depending on the progress of the preliminary investigation.”
Salome Jonson, Bree’s mother, said in an interview at the ABS-CBN News Channel that she fears that Ongpin might have already left the country after his release.
The PNP is currently conducting an in-depth investigation on the case even after earlier rumors circulated that Jonson had committed suicide.
The DOJ added that Ongpin was released from custody pending the preliminary investigation.
“The inquest prosecutor of La Union deemed it proper to conduct a regular preliminary investigation of the case to give the law enforcers the opportunity to submit additional evidence to further prove the case for possession of dangerous drugs, and to investigate further if there was ‘foul play’ which resulted in the death of Bree Jonson,” the agency said.
The PNP is awaiting the results of the autopsy on the artist’s remains to determine the official cause of death. Ronald Espartinez