‘FAITH IS STRONGER THAN FEAR’: Mabilog returns to visit late mom, celebrate 59th birthday

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog returned to Iloilo City on his 59th birthday, seven years after going into self-exile.

“I, Jed Mabilog, have returned. And I’m here now,” he told supporters and relatives at his home in Barangay Tap-oc, Molo, Iloilo City, on the morning of September 20.

Mabilog explained that it was not his original plan to flee the country.

He left for Japan in 2017 to attend a conference on disaster management from August 31 to September 4.

However, after receiving warnings from unnamed police officials about threats to his life, he decided to extend his stay abroad.

Along with his family’s decision to leave, Mabilog made a promise to return one day, which he fulfilled on September 10, 2024.

Since returning, Mabilog said he has experienced sleepless nights, anxiety, and emotional stress.

Despite his wife, Maria Victoria “Marivic” Mabilog, advising him against coming back, he chose to return.

“But my faith is stronger than my fear. I want to be heard. I want to tell my story,” he shared.

Mabilog, who celebrated his birthday with his two children, expressed a desire for rest and reflection, saying he simply wanted to eat and sleep.

He arrived in Iloilo City at 5:12 a.m. on Friday aboard PR2139. After his arrival, he visited the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse in Barangay Avanceña, Molo, and attended a Mass at Molo Church.

A press conference was held at his home at 9 a.m., where Mabilog thanked the media for their interest, although he previously declined interviews.

He described his seven-year exile as the “darkest years of my life.”

CITY HALL VISIT

Later, Mabilog visited Iloilo City Hall, where he was warmly welcomed by supporters and employees.

Upon his arrival, a birthday song was sung by those gathered at the City Hall grounds. He then paid a visit to Mayor Jerry Treñas, whom he referred to as his “father in politics.”

Treñas had invited Mabilog to join his slate as a city councilor in 2004. Mabilog later ran as vice mayor in 2007 with Treñas as his running mate. Mabilog eventually became Iloilo City mayor, while Treñas served as the city’s lone district representative.

Treñas emphasized that there was no animosity between them.

“I never regarded Jed as my enemy. He was part of the group,” Treñas said, adding that they had never been at odds during their political runs together.

Mabilog acknowledged their long-standing relationship, stating that political conflicts come and go, but personal connections remain. “If it’s deep, it will always stay,” he said.

For now, Mabilog reiterated that he has no political plans. “The Lord will plan my life. You see, in just one announcement, everything can change. I was shattered,” he said, referencing the threats made against him by former President Rodrigo Duterte, which he claimed not only impacted him but also the entire city.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE

When asked if he plans to stay in Iloilo City for good, Mabilog said he is unsure.

“My family is still in the US. We haven’t discussed it yet,” he admitted, adding that he is simply grateful to have had the chance to return home and begin clearing his name.