Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Sunday said the National Bureau of Investigation is interviewing witnesses who talked to artist Bree Jonson as well as her companion Julian Ongpin prior to her death as part of their parallel investigation into the matter.
"The NBI also obtained the sworn statements of those people who were with Bree Jonson and Julian Ongpin the night before Bree Jonson's death," Guevarra said, in an interview with radio DzBB.
Guevarra stressed that these will serve as pieces of evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of Jonson.
The son of businessman Roberto Ongpin is expected next week to answer the subpoena issued by the NBI in connection with the death of Jonson.
According to “24 Oras Weekend,” the subpoena for Julian Ongpin was formally accepted in Baguio City.
“We invited Mr. Julian Ongpin to give his statement so his side of the story on what happened in La Union will be heard,” NBI director Eric Distor said.
Jonson's body was discovered in the room she shared with Ongpin in a resort in La Union after police responded to a report on a supposed suicide incident last September. She was buried in Davao Memorial Park on September 30.
Guevarra also said that the NBI's autopsy on the body was already completed, but several tests will still be conducted to determine Jonson's cause of death.
The Justice Secretary did not elaborate on the NBI’s autopsy report, but in the police probe, the Philippine National Police's autopsy findings showed that Jonson died of asphyxia.
“On the death of Bree Jonson, as you may have heard, the NBI already finished its autopsy. For now the NBI is conducting a psychological autopsy. Forensic and histopathological [autopsies] are ongoing,” Guevarra said.
Besides conducting an autopsy on Jonson’s remains, the NBI also summoned Ongpin, son of billionaire Roberto Ongpin for the probe.
When Jonson died at their rented resort room, police allegedly found cocaine in the possession of Ongpin.
Ongpin was detained over the drug charges, but the local prosecutor ordered his for preliminary investigation.
The younger Ongpin's camp is expected to file a counter affidavit to answer to the charges, and the resolution on the case will be issued after October 8.
“The DOJ will proceed with its preliminary investigation on October 8 and afterwards, the DOJ will submit the illegal drugs complaint for resolution,” Guevarra said.
The family of Bree Jonson has rejected the claims that the artist died by suicide. Jonson's mom Sally also believes that her daughter fought for her life after she noticed scars on Ongpin's arm.
The younger Ongpin, for his part, said he did not have a disagreement with the late artist.
Ongpin said he got the wounds after forcibly opening the door of the restroom to free Jonson, who was allegedly trapped.
The NBI had also begun analyzing the body fluids and nails taken from Jonson.
“President Duterte’s order is clear. Investigate the death of Bree Jonson. We will look at all angles,” said Distor.
Meanwhile, Jonson’s mother Salome said some of Jonson’s organs were missing.
“Three organs are missing: the trachea, the heart, and the stomach. The Camp Crame Lab admitted that they have the trachea, so they should return that to us. Now, the heart and the stomach are missing,” she said.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has yet to issue a statement on this.
