Born and raised in Davao City, Fr. Arnel T. Ong, S.J. completed his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Management Accounting, at Ateneo de Davao University in 1999. Before joining the Society of Jesus, he worked at China Banking Corporation in Davao City from 1999 to 2003. He entered the Society of Jesus on May 30, 2004, and professed his first perpetual vows on May 31, 2006. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 18, 2015, by His Eminence Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD, and completed his Master of Arts in Theological Studies at the Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University, in 2016.

     After his ordination, Fr. Ong was assigned to Ateneo de Zamboanga University, where he served for nine years, from 2015 until 2024. His last assignments included serving as the Superior of the Jesuit Community from 2022 until June 30, 2024, Vice President for Basic Education from 2017 until May 31, 2024, and JHS Principal from 2017 until May 31, 2024.

     He has been assigned to Xavier School San Juan and Nuvali as the School Chaplain/Campus Minister from July 2024 until December 2024. He will be sent for Tertianship, the last stage of formation for Jesuits, in Australia from January 19 until July 31, 2025.