BI removes Ongpin from lookout order

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has removed Julian Ongpin from the list of persons placed on hold departure order (HDO) following the dismissal of the complaint for cocaine possession filed against him before the La Union Regional Trial Court.

According to BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval, Ongpin’s name was delisted from the lookout bulletin after the bureau received an order from the court to lift the precautionary HDO issued against the billionaire scion.

“Yes, Ongpin has been removed from the HDO system,” Sandoval confirmed yesterday when asked if the BI has implemented the order of Judge Romeo Agacita Jr. of the La Union Regional Trial Court Branch 27.

“He can now leave the country unless there are other pending arrest warrants or derogatory order issued against him,” Sandoval added.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted Ongpin for drug possession after the La Union police allegedly recovered more than 12 grams of cocaine from the hostel room where visual artist Bree Jonson was found dead last September.

Jonson and Ongpin both tested positive for cocaine use.

Ongpin, 29, son of former trade secretary Roberto Ongpin, has been cleared by the La Union court of drug charges for lack of probable cause.

Agacita said Ongpin was not present when the drugs were marked as evidence by the police as he was brought to the hospital for medical examination.

The DOJ said it would file a motion for reconsideration next week.

Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Dionardo Carlos has ordered a review of Ongpin’s case to determine if there was negligence on the part of the La Union police that led to the dismissal of the drug case.