DOJ starts preliminary investigation of Ongpin case

Julian Ongpin—Photo Courtesy of Philippine National Police-PRO1

Art patron Julian Ongpin on Friday faced the panel of state prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ) at the start of the preliminary investigation of the drug case filed against him. Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said Ongpin, son of billionaire businessman and former trade minister Roberto Ongpin, was accompanied by his lawyers when he attended the preliminary hearing of the complaint for possession of illegal drugs at the DOJ office in Manila. Ongpin, 29, was charged and briefly held by the police after more than 12 grams of cocaine were recovered inside the room where he and his girlfriend, visual artist Breanna “Bree” Jonson, were staying in San Juan town, La Union, moments before she died on Sept. 18. “Respondent Ongpin submitted his counteraffidavit for the original complaint [for possession of cocaine],” Malcontento told reporters. The next hearing will be on Oct. 8. —Marlon Ramos