‘Mayaman man o mahirap’: Eleazar orders thorough probe on Bree Jonson’s death

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar on Tuesday vowed a thorough probe on the death of young painter Bree Jonson.

Eleazar directed the police to look into all the circumstances that led to the death of Jonson, who was found unconscious in Flotsam & Jetsam Resort in San Juan, La Union on Saturday. She was later declared dead in the hospital.

“This is but another proof that your PNP applies the law without fear or favor. Mayaman man o mahirap, patas ang pagpapatupad natin ng batas dahil hindi lang dangal ng PNP ang nakataya dito kung hindi ang pagtitiwala ng sambayanang Pilipino on the basic but important concept of rule of law,” he said in a statement.

(Rich or poor, the application of law is equal because it is not only the PNP’s honor that is at stake but the trust of Filipinos when it comes to the basic but important concept of rule of law.)

Julian Ongpin, son of billionaire Roberto Ongpin, was arrested for alleged possession of 12.6 grams of illegal drugs, and is being investigated for his possible involvement in Jonson’s death.

Authorities are just waiting for the result of autopsy on Jonson’s remains to determine if there will be additional charges filed against the younger Ongpin.

“Hinihintay lamang ng inyong PNP ang pagsasagawa at ang resulta ng autopsy sa mga labi ni Binibining Jonson upang malaman kung may karagdagang kaso na isasampa laban sa kanyang kasintahan,” Eleazar said.

(The PNP is just waiting for the autopsy on Ms. Jonson to determine if there are additional cases needed to be filed against her lover.)

Ongpin was released for the meantime while the investigation on the case is ongoing, Eleazar confirmed.

RELATED STORY

Mom of late artist Bree Jonson wants Julian Ongpin on hold departure order

je