The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) dispatched a forensics team to La Union on Thursday, Sept. 23, to conduct an investigation on the death of Filipino artist Breana “Bree” Jonson last Sept. 18.
“Crime Scene Investigation Team (Forensics) motored to La Union this morning to process the crime scene thereat,” NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand M. Lavin said.
Lanvin said the NBI had also conducted an autopsy on Jonson on request of the family.
He also said the NBI will “ask PNP (Philippine National Police) to share with us other pieces of evidence as they were the first responders at the scene of the crime.”
Jonson was found unconscious by the police inside a hostel room in San Juan, La Union that she occupied with Julian Roberto S. Ongpin, the son of businessman and former trade minister Roberto Ongpin. She was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead.
The police found 12.6 grams of cocaine inside the room. Julian was charged with illegal possession of dangerous drugs under Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
But Julian, who was tested positive for illegal drugs use, was ordered released by the prosecutors for further investigation.
Based on the initial reports given by the police, Jonson died of asphyxia and was tested positive for cocaine use. Reports stated that based on the ongoing investigation, Jonson may have committed suicide.
The Bureau of Immigration (BIR) has issued an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against Julian. With the ILBO, his movements in the country, particularly in ports and airports, are monitored.
Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra had said that the prosecutors may file with the court a motion for precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Julian depending on the progress of the preliminary investigation.
The PHDO, if filed and granted, will prevent Julian from leaving the country.