BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City — Former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has returned home nearly seven years after he fled the country in 2017 after being publicly and repeatedly accused of protecting drug lords by former President Rodrigo Duterte, a claim that he has consistently denied.
Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested Mabilog yesterday upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 onboard a Cathay Pacific flight past at 11 a.m.
Mabilog was then escorted to the Sandiganbayan where he posted a P90,000 bail for his temporary freedom relative to the graft case over an allegedly anomalous vehicle towing contract signed in 2015. His arraignment is scheduled on Oct. 11, 2024.
Mabilog’s inclusion in Duterte’s list of alleged narco-politicians led to intense scrutiny and threats, prompting his departure to ensure his safety.
‘I FORGIVE DUTERTE’
In an interview over ANC’s Headstart, Mabilog was asked if he has plans to file charges against Duterte.
“The complaint with the ICC (International Criminal Court) was already filed…I think that is good enough,” said Mabilog.
Getting emotional, Mabilog added: “While I experienced all this pain and persecution…yung sinasabing nanginginig ‘yung spine due to fear, naramdaman ko po yun…takot for me and my family. But as a true Christian, I forgive him.”
Looking at the bright side of his self-imposed exile, Mabilog said, “These (past) seven years have given me exclusive time for my family. I cook for them. I tend to my kids. I bring them to school. I was able to experience us being together as a family. This is the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me and my family.”
He was so busy whe, he was the city mayor that he did not have time to do these, he recalled.
Do Mabilog believe the Duterte deserves to be in jail?
“Right now, even if he is not physically in jail, where he is right now and his situation, I think that is good enough. I hope he just realizes and has time to repent and reform himself, and admit what he has done. That is good enough,” said the former mayor.
As for himself, “I am grateful. I want to live in peace,” said Mabilog.
SUPPORT
Two city officials here have expressed support for Mabilog’s decision to return home and clear his name of allegations that he was a narco-politician during the incumbency of Duterte.
In a statement through her spokesperson, Pastor Stanley Flores, Iloilo City’s Cong. Julienne Baronda welcomed Mabilog’s decision, calling it a “courageous and selfless” act.
“(Mabilog’s) decision to return home and seek justice for his sullen reputation and the tarnished image of Iloilo City is welcomed by the Ilonggos who love him and miss him, the statement read.
Baronda assured Mabilog of assistance for the safe return of her long-time “true friend and ally.”
For his part, Mayor Jerry Treñas also voiced support for Mabilog’s return to the country to clear his name.
“It is important for us to understand the full context and get to the truth of the matter. Should he be allowed to clear his name, this is a significant step towards both the truth and peace he is seeking,” said Treñas.
“If he decides to re-enter politics, he has every right to do so. In politics, individuals are free to run for any position they choose,” the mayor added.
Mabilog, who served as Iloilo City mayor from 2010 to 2017, has been out of the country since 2017 after being linked to illegal drugs by Duterte.
CLEAR HIS NAME
In an earlier interview also by Headstart, Mabilog hinted at his plan to come home and testify to shed light on what transpired during his incumbency, which led to this city being tagged by Duterte as the “most stabilized” city in 2016.
Mabilog said his decision to come home is primarily to clear his name on allegations that he was a drug protector, noting that no drug-related charges were ever filed against him.
He thanked Congress for inviting him to appear in the investigation being conducted by the House quad-committee.
“At this particular moment, simply lang po ang gusto ko. Gusto ko lang pong umuwi, gusto ko lang ng peace,” Mabilog said.
Mabilog confirmed that the House of Representatives’ quad-committee invited him to appear in the hearing. The quad-committee has conducted a series of hearings on the proliferation of drugs and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) under the administration of Duterte.
On Monday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said they could offer Mabilog protection if needed./PN
