After seven years in exile abroad, former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has returned to the Philippines.
Mabilog, who left the country in August 2017 due to fear for his life, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Tuesday morning, Sept. 10.
The former mayor was aboard the Cathay Pacific flight from the United States of America where he was granted political asylum.
Mabilog was baselessly accused by then-president Rodrigo Duterte of being a drug protector. His name was included in the Duterte administration’s list of so-called “narco-politicians.
According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Mabilog “voluntarily surrendered” to their operatives “upon his arrival.”
The Sandiganbayan Third Division issued an arrest warrant against Mabilog for violation of the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees” and the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.”
In 2023, the Office of the Ombudsman filed graft charges against Mabilog and councilor Plaridel Nava II before the Sandiganbayan over alleged intervention in the awarding of a government contract to a towing services firm where they have an interest in.
The former mayor posted bail amounting to P90,000 for his temporary liberty.
In a TV interview, Mabilog said he had been invited by the House quadruple committee to attend their hearing on crimes linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), drug war deaths, and the illegal drug trade.IMT
