Updated:November 30, 2021, 8:58 P.M.
Vancouver, B.C.
Visual Art
JUSTICE FOR BREE, JUSTICE FOR ALL
In the midst of the ongoing War on Drugs in the Philippines, a grieving Filipino-Canadian mother fights for justice for her daughter and all women of the Philippines
Mildred German
Sally Jonson of Abbotsford, BC arrived in September 2021 in the Philippines from Vancouver, BC, Canada. A citizen of Canada since 2015, it was 2018 when she last saw her daughter face to face.
All photos from FB fan page Justice for Bree
Upon arrival, although fully vaccinated from Canada, she would find herself under the Philippine government-mandated COVID-19 quarantine protocols. She was required to stay in a quarantine hotel for several days before she could see her daughter.
Her 30-year-old daughter Bree Jonson, an acclaimed visual artist, was found unconscious on September 18 in a La Union hostel and later declared dead on arrival at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center.
29-year old Julian Ongpin, reportedly Bree’s boyfriend and whom Sally said her daughter did not mention nor introduce to her, was the last person Bree was in company with. Ongpin, whom the family blames for Bree’s death, is the son of former Trade Minister and billionaire tycoon Roberto Ongpin.
JUSTICE FOR BREE JONSON
# JUSTICEFORBREEJONSON
Bree Jonson was laid to rest September 29, 2021 in Davao, Philippines. Her death put to light the ongoing issue of violence against women (VAW) in the Philippines, the stigmatization of drug use, and the controversial Philippine War on Drugs.
Based on the initial report of her autopsy examination, Jonson died of asphyxia. News reports say that authorities have ruled Jonson’s death as ‘suicide’; which the family of Jonson greatly denounces.
Sally, the mother of Bree, does not believe her daughter died by suicide. She affirmed that her daughter was in La Union for her artist residency and was preparing for an upcoming exhibition in December this year, that her daughter expressed excitement about this exhibition and had “many dreams in life” rather than to end her life.
Sally also points out the visible scratches on Ongpin’s mugshot, which she strongly believes came as results of her daughter fighting for her life.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1490808/bree-jonsons-mom-believes-young-artist-did-not-commit-suicide
A tribute and Facebook fan-page called Justice for Bree has been dedicated to Bree Jonson, and the fight for justice for her untimely death, and justice for all.
CRITICISM ON THE WAR ON DRUGS
Despite testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a major metabolite of cocaine, and despite over 12 grams of cocaine was reportedly found by police in the hostel room Bree Jonson and Julian Ongpin shared, the La Union Regional Trial Court Branch 27 Judge Romeo Agacita Jr. has dismissed the possession of illegal drugs charge against Ongpin, the philSTAR Global reported. https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/doj-to-file-appeal-vs-ongpin-acquittal/ar-AAQWoax
On the other note, the Department of Justice (DOJ) had stated its intention to file its motion Monday November 22 for reconsideration on the dismissal of the drug case against the Ongpin scion.
Meanwhile, critics view the dismissal of Julian Ongpin’s drug case as proof of the free passes to the rich and powerful in the anti-poor and misguided War on Drugs in the Philippines where thousands of people have been jailed and have been killed.
ARTIST BREE JONSON: “THE PERSONAL IS POLITICAL”
Bree Jonson, born in 1991 as Breanna Patricia Jonson Agunod, was a graduate of industrial engineering at the Ateneo de Davao University. She was part of the rock band (Alto Indio), was multi-talented, a bookworm, and adored by many.
She enrolled at the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Fine Arts and eventually quit after a semester. However, Jonson continued painting. Her work as an artist is known for unique visual language in exploring mankind, the environment, and the power of femininity.
Her mother, who studied at UP Los Banos College of Veterinary Medicine, migrated to Canada after being accepted for work. After securing a permanent resident visa, Bree was supposed to follow her mother in Canada. However, Bree did not follow suit after deciding to stay in the Philippines to pursue her career, SunStar Davao reports.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1908798/Davao/Local-News/Bree-Jonson-laid-to-rest-family-still-cries-for-justice
A self-made artist, Jonson had multiple exhibitions in the Philippines and abroad, including Singapore, Malaysia, USA, Japan, and Norway. Her works have been displayed at solo exhibits and at art fairs such as Art Fair Philippines and Sydney Contemporary Art Fair. Her curriculum vitae (CV) can be viewed on her website, https://breejonson.com.
The family should press the police to conduct a thorough investigation, including questioning the Ongpin scion. The evidence suggests it was not suicide. A medico-legal or forensics expert should be hired by the family to provide the necessary confirmation for the police.
I just can’t believe she’s gone.. it breaks my heart every time I think about it.