Ex-mayor Mabilog to visit Iloilo City Hall

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog plans to visit Mayor Jerry Treñas at City Hall, according to recently resigned Public Order and Safety Management Office (POSMO) head Jeck Conlu.

Conlu, who was among the first to welcome Mabilog back to the country after seven years in exile on Tuesday, Sept. 10, communicated Mabilog’s plans to Treñas.

The exact date of the visit is still being discussed and has yet to be finalized.

“I already informed Treñas that the former mayor will visit City Hall because he misses him. The two have no disagreements, and they are close friends,” Conlu said in a phone interview.

On the same day, Conlu also tendered his resignation as POSMO head.

“It is with profound gratitude that I inform the people of Iloilo City of my resignation as department head of POSMO, effective Sept. 10,” he said in a statement.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served the people of Iloilo City. It has been an honor and a privilege to contribute to the progress and development of our beloved city.”

In April 2024, Conlu was announced as part of Treñas’ slate for Sangguniang Panglungsod positions in the 2025 midterm elections.

However, in a follow-up interview, Conlu confirmed he will no longer run in the upcoming elections.

“There is a long explanation, but I don’t want to create conflict or doubts because I am a close relative of Mabilog and an employee under Treñas,” he explained.

“We chose to step aside and resign to allow for new visions at POSMO.”

Conlu was appointed POSMO head during Mabilog’s term as mayor.

While stepping away from the political lineup, Conlu has not confirmed whether he will pursue a private life.

He clarified that his resignation coinciding with Mabilog’s return to the country was purely coincidental.

Conlu also mentioned that he met with Mabilog, who he described as “healthy and very happy” upon his return.