Julian Ongpin appears at DOJ preliminary probe into drug rap vs him
MANILA, Philippines — Julian Ongpin, the last known companion of Bree Jonson who died last September 18, appeared at the Department of Justice on Friday for the preliminary investigation into the drug raps against him.
Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento confirmed this to reporters.
“In today’s continuation of the preliminary investigation, the complainants (arresting officers and Scene of the Crime Operatives team) appeared as well as respondent Julian Ongpin and his counsels on record,” Malcontento said in a statement.
The DOJ-National Prosecution Service is currently handling the preliminary probe after regional prosecution requested the transfer “to assure the public and all concerned of a fair and impartial handling of the case.”
Ongpin, son of tycoon Roberto, is facing possession of illegal drugs complaint and was freed from detention by the inquest prosecutor after it was deemed that proceedings will be through preliminary investigation.
During the hearing earlier, Malcontento said Ongpin submitted his counter-affidavit for the complaint filed alleging possession of illegal drugs.
Authorities are investigating the death of Jonson, who was found unconscious in hostel room in San Juan, La Union last Saturday. She was later declared dead at the hospital.
Police found more than 12 grams of cocaine in the room Jonson and Ongpin shared and filed a complaint against the latter.
In the resumption of preliminary investigation on Friday, the PNP also filed supplemental affidavit. Ongpin and his counsels then requested for additional time to study and answer the latest allegations, Malcontento said.
The next proceeding will on October 9, for the submission of additional counter-affidavit and clarificatory hearing.
“If no new matters/issues are raised by the parties, the case will be submitted for resolution,” Malcontento added.
The PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation conducted separate autopsies on the body of Jonson.
Follow this page for development on the death of Filipino artist Bree Jonson. Photo lifted from Bree Jonson's Instagram account.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra says the NBI investigation on the death of artist Bree Jonson has been stalled.
"Our agents have a pending application for search warrant to secure forensic evidence (the judge is on extended leave). They are also waiting for the PNP response to their requests for clarification on the PNP’s DNA report," says Guevarra. — The STAR/Robertzon Ramirez
State prosecutors resolve to indict Julian Ongpin, the last known companion of the late artist Bree Jonson, for possession of dangerous drugs under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In a case briefer sent by Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar to reporters, the offense is non-bailable.
"The criminal information against Mr. Ongpin will be filed at the Regional Trial Court, San Fernando City, La Union," the cases briefer reads.
Julian Ongpin tells police he forced his way into the bathroom where he found artist Bree Jonson unconscious.
According to a report from ABS-CBN News, Ongpin claims that he broke through the bathroom door, where Jonson supposedly locked herself in.
Security footage released by the police shows Ongpin appeared to have an altercation with Jonson.
The Philippine National says artist Bree Jonson tested positive for drug use based on the result of the test conducted by forensics experts.
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