A panel of Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors has terminated its preliminary investigation and is now ready to resolve the illegal drugs complaint filed against Julian Roberto S. Ongpin, also a person of interest in the Sept. 18 death of visual artist Breanna “Bree” Jonson in San Juan, La Union.
Ongpin was charged with illegal possession of 12.6 grams of cocaine, a dangerous drug, which was reportedly recovered on Ongpin’s bed in a hostel in San Juan town where he and Jonson checked in last Sept. 17.
Under Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, illegal possession of more than 10 grams of dangerous drugs, cocaine included, is punishable with life imprisonment and fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million.
The DOJ panel conducted on Friday, Oct. 8, a continuation of the preliminary investigation of the complaint filed against Ongpin.
“Upon joint motion of the parties and considering that no new matters/issues were raised by both parties, the case was submitted for resolution,” Assistant State Prosecutor Honey Rose E. Delgado, spokesperson of the DOJ’s Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG), said.
Ongpin, together with his lawyers, appeared personally during the continuation of the investigation. Ongpin submit a supplemental counter-affidavit.
During Friday’s hearing, Delgado said “Respondent Ongpin and his two counsels appeared.” Complainants from the Philippine National Police (PNP) were also present and received a copy of Ongpin’s pleading, she said.
Last Oct. 6, Ongpin – son of the former trade and industry minister Roberto V. Ongpin, also a businessman – appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and submitted his statement on the death of Jonson.
His affidavit or transcript of his statement was not released by the NBI. Neither did Ongpin released it on his own.
Jonson was found “motionless” inside the hostel room he shared with Ongpin. She was pronounced dead in a hospital. Both Jonson and Ongpin tested positive for cocaine use, the police reported.
Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra had directed the NBI to probe Jonson’s death.