The controversial death of Filipino artist Breana “Bree” Jonson has gained the attention of President Duterte.
This was confirmed Monday, Sept. 27 by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a virtual press briefing with Malacañang reporters.
Roque was asked if Duterte was aware of the corcumstances surrounding the death of the 30-year-old Jonson.
"Yes and he has instructed the criminal justice system of the country to accord the victim justice," Roque said.
"Pero kinakailangan po, hayaan nating (malaman) kung ano talaga ang nangyari (But we need to let the investigation take its course in order to find out what truly happened)," added the Palace official.
Jonson was found unconscious by police inside a hostel room in San Juan, La Union that she occupied with Julian Roberto Ongpin on Sept. 18. She was taken to a hospital but was declared dead.
Ongpin is the son of businessman and former trade minister Roberto Ongpin. He was ordered released by the prosecutors.
Reports said that 12.6 grams of cocaine were found inside the Bree and Julian's room. Initial investigation showed that Bree may have committed suicide.
Julian, on the other hand, was charged with illegal possession of dangerous drugs under Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.