Trigger warning: Story mentions intentional self-harm that may be disturbing for some. If you are having thoughts of suicide, know that help is always here. You are not alone. Call the National Center For Mental Health 24/7 Crisis Hotline 1553, 0917 899 8727(USAP), and/or 7-989-8727 (USAP).
Artist Bree Jonson's mother on Wednesday accused PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar of lawyering for Julian Ongpin as she questioned the initial findings of a police investigation into her daughter's death.
Sally Jonson said she no longer respects Eleazar and Ilocos Region police director Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta whom she accused of siding with the son of billionaire Roberto Ongpin, the last person seen with the artist before she was found dead at a surf resort last Sept. 18.
Jonson's camp earlier said there was a "double standard" in how local authorities treated the scion, releasing him from custody despite facing drug charges. Ongpin and Jonson both tested positive for drug use, police said.
READ: Bree Jonson Died of Asphyxia, Positive for Drugs, Police Say
"It looks to me ay sila rin ang legal counsel kasi wala nga kaming naririnig na pangalan ng attorney ni Ongpin. So siguro Atty. General Peralta at Eleazar yata," she told GMA News.
"Sabi nila na depressed daw si Julian. Okay, psychiatrist na rin pala sila?"
She also questioned the suicide angle, which was part of Ongpin's testimony according to police. This reportedly included the use of a bra strap.
"Magsu-suicide ka sa shower head, shower curtain, rod? Nako ha, ang daling masira 'yun ha, 'di nya kakayanin weight ng anak ko," she claimed.
"Sabi pa ng PNP, una ang ginamit na pang-hang ay strap ng bra, kayo ba ay maniniwala doon?"
Police earlier said the mark on the artist's neck was caused by a cat leash and there were no signs of struggle, which Jonson's camp rejected.
"I am very sorry, I respect PNP, but the people in it, I don't respect it anymore."
Eleazar said he understands the family's sentiments and maintained the PNP was not taking sides. He also said Ongpin was consistently in talks with local police over the course of the investigation.
"From the very start po at narinig na natin kay Gen. Peralta at sa akin, never po tayo nag-conclude sa investigation," he told GMA News in a separate interview.
He also staid that it was the local prosecutor's office, not the police, who decided to release Ongpin. Eleazar called for patience as the investigation continues.
"Napakaimportante ng kasong ito kasi nga sinasabi na ang involved dito ay maimpluwensiya. Dito namin gusto ipakita na ang pulis natin ay walang pinapanigan."
READ:
Bree Jonson's Mom Appeals to Roberto Ongpin: Don't Use Your Power
Police to Bree Jonson's Family: We are Not Taking Sides
Bree Jonson Case: PNP Rejects ‘Rich-Poor Divide’ Concerns
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