BI issues lookout order against Julian Ongpin in Bree Jonson case
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration has issued a lookout order against Julian Ongpin in the Breana “Bree” Jonson case.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente disclosed this Wednesday, explaining that the inclusion of business tycoon Roberto Ongpin’s son in the watchlist was an offshoot of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) earlier issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The ILBO directed the immigration bureau to monitor Ongpin’s possible departure from the country.
“We received a memorandum from the DOJ ordering his inclusion in our ILBO database,” Morente said in a statement.
“We have immediately implemented said order upon receipt,” he added.
Photo Courtesy of Julian Ongpin Young Artists Facebook Page
The younger Ongpin was arrested on drug charges on Saturday, September 18. His arrest came after Jonson was found unconscious inside a hotel room in San Juan, La Union, and later declared dead in a hospital. Ongpin was identified as Jonson’s last companion, according to police.
Ongpin, however, was released from custody as the investigation on Jonson’s passing continues.
On Tuesday, Jonson’s mother, Salome or Sally requested the DOJ to issue an ILBO against Ongpin, fearing that he might leave the country amid the investigation.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra heeded the request of Jonson’s mother.
BI explained that an ILBO is issued to monitor itineraries of flight, travel, or whereabouts of a subject that may attempt to go overseas.
“His name has been included in our derogatory database, and we are monitoring his border movement,” Morente said.
“All immigration officers nationwide in both airports and seaports have been instructed to closely monitor his travel and to prudently verify if he has an existing warrant of arrest, if encountered,” he added.
Police said they found 12.6 grams of cocaine in the room of Ongpin and Jonson in San Juan, La Union over the weekend – the same room where the victim was discovered unconscious by authorities.
Ongpin also tested positive for the drug, according to police.
Subsequently, a drug complaint was lodged against the Ongpin scion.
It was earlier reported that Jonson, a 30-year-old painter, died of suicide. But her mother did not think so, believing there was foul play as she cited marks on her daughter’s neck which she claimed indicates the young artist fought her attacker. Sally also said she thinks her daughter did not die due to a drug overdose.
Police Regional Office 1 Director Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta said Wednesday that ligature marks were found around Jonson’s neck, which probably was caused by a cat chain, while wounds noted on Ongpin’s body were caused by metal nails.
He also said they did not find wounds or markings “caused by struggle” on the bodies of Ongpin and Joson during physical examination.
“She could have used that chain to hang herself inside the CR (comfort room or toilet),” Peralta said in an interview over ANC. “But that, we cannot fully conclude as of this time.”
Bree also tested positive for cocaine use based on a urine test, according to Peralta.
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