Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday assured the family of slain 30-year-old visual artist Bree Jonson that justice will be served as the DOJ is set to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order against her boyfriend, Julian Ongpin, son of businessman Roberto Ongpin.
Jonson was found dead last Saturday in a hotel room in San Juan, La Union where she was staying with Ongpin.
Ongpin was reportedly released from police custody upon the directive of the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of La Union after conducting inquest proceedings on the possession of illegal drug charges lodged against him.
Guevarra said the DOJ may also move for the issuance of a precautionary hold departure order against Ongpin depending on the outcome of the preliminary investigation on the case.
“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 said.
Ongpin was charged with possession of 12.6 grams of cocaine, a prohibited drug, which was reportedly recovered inside the hotel room where he and Jonson were staying.
Police investigators have yet to announce the cause of Jonson’s death pending the result of her autopsy.
“I have just received the request from Mrs. Salome Jonson, mother of deceased Bree Jonson, considering the charges for violation of the Dangerous Drugs Law have been filed against Julian Ongpin, the DOJ will issue an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against Mr. Ongpin,” Guevarra said.
“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,” he added.
Guevarra also directed the National Bureau of Investigation to assist the Philippine National Police in conducting the investigation or to do a parallel probe on the incident, if necessary.
