JUSTICE Department prosecutors have recommended the immediate indictment of Julian Ongpin for illegal drugs possession.

In a media briefer, prosecutors found probable cause to file an information before the San Fernando, La Union regional trial court against Ongpin, son of former Trade and Industry minister Roberto Ongpin.

Ongpin, the last person seen with now-deceased visual artist Bree Jonson, will be indicted for “Possession of Dangerous Drugs (i.e. cocaine) under Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The information against Ongpin stated that the offense was non-bailable.

It can be recalled that the preliminary investigation was tranferred to DOJ main office from the La Union Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, after Ongpin was ordered released to give way for a full-blown inquiry.

Ongpin has been charged with illegal possession of dangerous drugs under Section 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Section 11, Article II of RA 9165 imposes a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million for possession of 10 grams or more of dangerous drugs such as cocaine.

Police arrested Ongpin, 29, last September 18 in San Juan, La Union, after 12.6grams of cocaine were found in the hostel room he and Jonson were occupying.

Ongpin was Jonson’s boyfriend and was the last companion when she was found unconscious in Flotsam & Jetsam Resort. She was brought to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival before dawn on Saturday (September 18).

The scion of Ongpin family claimed that Jonson committed suicide.

Police said Ongpin and Jonson arrived at the resort at 8:30 p.m. September 17, and were fetched by their friends at 10 p.m.

They returned to the resort at 2:58 a.m. on September 18. At 3:30 a.m., a commotion was heard in the room occupied by the couple that lasted for approximately 15 minutes.

Footage from a security camera showed Ongpin was looking anxious as he went in and out of the room.