Ongpin Scion Nabbed For Cocaine As Artist Found Dead

Police arrested Julian Ongpin, son of former trade secretary and businessman Roberto Ongpin, early Saturday, Sept. 18, for illegal drug possession at a resort in San Juan, La Union.

According to Ilocos Regional Police public information chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Mangelen, investigators found cocaine in Ongpin’s room.

He was the last known companion of Filipino painter Bree Jonson, 30, who was found unconscious in the room at the resort and pronounced dead on arrival in a nearby hospital.

“We have submitted the (evidence) to the crime (laboratory) and through chemistry (examinations), it was positive for cocaine. The suspect was also subjected to a drug test and he tested positive,” Mangelen told The Philippine STAR on Monday, Sept. 20.

In a phone call Monday afternoon, Maj. Gerardo Macaraeg, San Juan police chief, said Ongpin was no longer under police custody but did not say if he posted bail or was released due to procedural reasons.

Macaraeg said the Ilocos Regional Police, including the legal service, have already filed drug charges against Ongpin, 29, before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of San Fernando in La Union.

Police have yet to establish the cause of Jonson’s death, but said that homicide charges will be prepared once autopsy results indicate foul play.

Mangelen said police have yet to conduct an autopsy on the painter, as her family had sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“We’re coordinating with the NBI to look at where we could help each other in the conduct of autopsy, but of course the victim’s family will take precedence… whatever their decision may be,” he added.

Outpouring of grief

Following Jonson’s death, members of the local arts and culture community expressed their grief as they mourn the loss of the internationally acclaimed artist.

“Jonson’s passing is undoubtedly a major loss to Philippine (art),” León Gallery said in a tribute on Facebook. “Bree Jonson is primarily known for her unique visual language that explores the relationship between mankind and the environment. Her works act as a visual and critical commentary on the contemporary human experience in contrast with the idea of human nature itself.”

Artinformal owner Tina Fernandez also paid tribute to the painter in an Instagram post.

Jonson had a successful career as a painter and recently established her own studio in La Union.

In her website, the artist described her work – which focuses on animals and plants – as a critique of the relationship humans have with the environment.

She finished her Industrial Engineering degree from Ateneo de Davao University in 2012 and moved to Manila to pursue her art.