Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog celebrated the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the thousands of extrajudicial killings linked to his administration’s bloody war on drugs.
“Today, as the news of the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte reaches us, I pause not to celebrate but to reflect with a heart full of gratitude to God—for His justice, His mercy, and His unfailing love,” Mabilog said in a Facebook post.
Mabilog, who abandoned his post and his constituents in 2017 after he was linked by Duterte to illegal drugs, recalled the hardships his family faced, including the pain endured by his late mother, his wife, and his children.
“For many years, my family and I have walked through a valley of trials and tears. My beloved wife and children have endured so much—standing beside me with silent strength and courage, though still living in fear for our safety and future,” he said.
Mabilog also stressed that Duterte’s arrest is not only a moment for justice to be served but also a moment for the country to heal. He also encouraged others who suffered from political persecution to remain steadfast in their faith in justice.
“To all those who, like me and my family, still live in fear but continue to hope and believe in justice—hold on. God has seen every tear, heard every cry, and His justice will always come in His perfect time,” he said.
Mabilog left the country for the United States in 2017 after Duterte linked him to the illegal drug trade and to the slain drug lord Melvin “Dragon” Odicta. Duterte also labeled Iloilo City as the most “shabulized” city in the country under Mabilog’s leadership.
He was the only Iloilo mayor who left his post among others tied to illegal drugs. He recently returned to the country after Duterte’s term ended.
While abroad, Mabilog was ordered dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2017 for serious dishonesty following his failure to explain his alleged questionable wealth worth P8.9 million from 2012 to 2013.
Though he received executive clemency from Malacañang on the administrative penalties of the said case, Mabilog is still facing graft charges before the Sandiganbayan over the awarding of a government contract to a towing services firm where he has an interest in.
Upon returning to the country, Mabilog posted a P90,000 bail for his temporary liberty.
