DOJ indicts Julian Ongpin for drug possession

Julian Ongpin—Photo Courtesy of Philippine National Police-PRO1

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted Julian Ongpin, son of businessman Roberto Ongpin, for possession of cocaine.

“The Panel of Prosecutors assigned to conduct the preliminary investigation of the complaint [filed by PNP San Juan La Union] resolved to indict respondent Julian Roberto Ongpin for possession of Dangerous Drugs (i.e. cocaine) under Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” read the briefer from the DOJ.

The criminal information will be filed before the San Fernando, La Union Regional Trial Court. Based on the Information, the offense is non-bailable.

Ongpin is subject to a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) issued by the La Union Court last Oct. 8, 2021.

INQUIRER.net has been trying to get a reaction from Ongpin’s end.

Ongpin has also been tagged as a person of interest in the controversial death of artist Breanna “Bree” Jonson, who was found unconscious on Sept. 18 inside the bathroom of the hostel room they had rented in the surfing town of San Juan, La Union province.

He told police investigators that the painter had taken her own life, a claim that Jonson’s family vigorously disputed.

Ongpin, 29, was released from jail on Sept. 20 upon the local prosecutor’s order despite being charged with a nonbailable offense for possession of illegal drugs.

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