Tycoon’s son Julian Ongpin released, PNP chief Eleazar confirms

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Guillermo Eleazar. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Julian Ongpin, son of billionaire Roberto Ongpin, has been released by the provincial prosecutor’s office, the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar confirmed on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old Ongpin was charged for possession of 12.6 grams of cocaine and is being investigated over the death of the 30-year-old visual artist Bree Jonson, according to police.

“Sa aking huling pakikipag-usap sa [Regional Director Police Brig. Gen] Emmanuel Peralta, nagdesisyon ang Provincial Prosecutor’s Office na palayain si Ginoong Ongpin habang ini-imbestigahan ang kaso,” Eleazar confirmed in a statement.

(Based on my last conversation with Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office decided to release Mr. Ongpin while the case is being investigated.)

Earlier, Jonson’s mother, Sally Jonson, asked the Department of Justice to issue a hold departure order against Ongpin,  fearing that the billionaire’s son may fly out of the country.

According to police, Ongpin was Jonson’s boyfriend and he was the last companion when she was found unconscious in a hotel in Flotsam & Jetsam Resort in San Juan, La Union on Saturday. She was later declared dead in the hospital.

Ongpin reportedly told authorities that Jonson died of suicide, according to PNP.

Eleazar said the authorities are still awaiting the result of the autopsy on Jonson’s body.

Police said Ongpin also tested positive during the drug test.

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