No bail for Ongpin in illegal drug case

By Benjamin Pulta/Philippine News Agency

No bail will be recommended for the possession of dangerous drugs case against Julian Roberto Ongpin, the 29-year-old son of former Trade minister and billionaire Roberto V. Ongpin.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary and spokesperson Emmeline Aglipay-Villar told the media via text message that the criminal information against Ongpin will be filed at the Regional Trial Court of San Fernando City, La Union following the resolution of the case on Monday.

“The same information also states that the offense is non-bailable,” Villar said.

A precautionary hold departure order was issued on October 8 by the La Union court, directing the Bureau of Immigration to bar Ongpin from leaving the Philippines.

Ongpin was caught with 12.6 grams of cocaine inside a hostel room in the La Union town on September 18.

On the same day, Davaoeña artist Breana “Bree” Jonson, allegedly Ongpin’s girlfriend, was found unconscious in their room and later declared dead in a hospital.

Ongpin claimed Jonson, 30, hanged herself in the bathroom.

The autopsy indicated the official cause of death was asphyxia.

The police forensic examination also showed her positive for cocaine use and her body did not show any markings of struggle.

The Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of La Union originally handled the case and ordered Ongpin’s release but was directed to transfer all evidence to the DOJ. (PNA)-rir

 

Popular

12 areas to experience ‘danger level’ heat-index on Monday—PAGASA

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet Don’t forget your water, folks! Summer is indeed upon us, with PAGASA’s earlier issuance of an El Niño alert setting the tone...

‘Danger’ level heat index expected over 16 areas on Sunday —PAGASA

By Brian Campued At least 16 areas across the country will continue to experience scorching temperatures as heat indices are expected to reach “danger” level...

PBBM ramps up economic safeguards, intensifies anti-corruption efforts

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stepped up the administration’s twin priorities of economic protection and governance accountability...

Zaldy Co in custody of Czech authorities due to immigration concerns, Palace clarifies

By Brian Campued Malacañang on Friday stressed that there was no contradiction between the latest pronouncement of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the announcement...