Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog became emotional before the House quad-committee as he recounted the 'paralyzing' experience he faced after being named in former President Rodrigo Duterte's 'narco-list.'
"I declare that I was not and never will be a drug protector. I don't know personally nor did I benefit in any way from any illegal drug personality in Iloilo or anywhere else," Mabilog said during the House quad-committee hearing on Thursday.
After seven years of self-exile, Mabilog returned to the Philippines, stating that he was targeted by unfounded political accusations and, most importantly, received threats not only to his life but also to his family.
“Mga paratang na walang basehan at kahit kailan ay hindi naman napatunayan. As a matter of fact, until today there are no drug-related cases that have been filed, especially in legal courts, against me and my person,” said Mabilog.
Duterte repeatedly mentioned threats against Mabilog through the media, which is why he felt the need to leave and refrain from returning to the Philippines for the time being.
The then awarded mayor mentioned that his efforts to combat illegal drugs in his jurisdiction was ignored by the past administration.
He recounted that it all began when names were suddenly included in the PRRD Narco List under the Duterte administration—a list featuring the names of prominent public officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs.
"Kung inyong titingnang maigi, isinama ang mga pangalan ng kalaban sa pulitika sa isang validated list ng mga drug personalities sa kasunod na PRRD list," Mabilog mentioned.
"Sa kabila ng mga kuwestiyunableng impormasyong, walang validation o confirmation man lang na ginawa ng kahit na anomang ahensya ng gobyerno sa Malacañang initiated list. Itong PRRD list diumano ay naging isang 'hit list," he added.
In his opening statement, former Iloilo Mayor Jed Mabilog recounted that he was invited to Camp Crame, but he received a call from a PNP colonel advising him not to go, as his life was in danger.
"On August 28, 2017, I’ve received an unexpected call from former PNP Regional Director Bernardo Diaz. He invited me to meet with PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, now Senator, at Camp Crame, Quezon City at noon the following day," said Mabilog.
"At around 5 p.m., a PNP colonel called me and in a voice that sent shivers down my spine warned me not to go to Camp Crame because my life was in danger," he added.
Later that day, Mabilog’s wife received a text message alerting them that men were reportedly surrounding their home and were prepared to kill him if he went to Camp Crame.
“The terror was paralyzing," Mabilog said turning emotional.
Furthermore, he shared that upon arriving in Japan, he was able to speak with Dela Rosa through a payphone, expressing the senator's sympathy.
"He was talking to me in Bisaya. He told me he knew I was innocent, that I wasn't involved in illegal drugs, and he promised to help me," said Mabilog.
Dela Rosa's statement almost prompted him to return to the Philippines, but another general soon warned him against coming back.
"'If you go to Crame, you'll be forced to point fingers to an opposition senator and a former Presidential candidate as drug lords.' The weight of the conspiracy against me was unbearable," Mabilog revealed the text message he received.
Mabilog stated that law enforcement agencies were being utilized for political purposes, undermining public trust in the government.
Mabilog's assumption as to why he was included in the narco list
Mabilog has several reasons in mind for why he may be targeted by the former President. One key reason is that he is a second cousin of former Senator Franklin Drilon.
"No. 2, noong nagkaroon ng rally sa Iloilo during the campain, nag-brownout and isinisisi sa mayor, sa akin," Mabilog shared.
"Third, there was an attempt na gusto niya [ni Duterte] makipag-meet sa akin before during the campaign. Unfortunately, I was in an official project in Manila," he added.
"These are all assumptions. I never really knew what was the main reason," he further stated.
When asked if he believes politics is the reason for his inclusion on the list, he quickly affirmed this. He pointed out that in the previous election, Duterte received only 13.7 percent of the votes in the city, his lowest percentage.
Mabilog questioned his inclusion on the list, but the explanation he consistently received was that the list came from higher authorities.
"I received valid information that in three lists, my name did not appear there. My name only appeared when it came from Malacañang," said Mabilog.
When lawmakers further questioned whether he believes Duterte was responsible for placing his name on the list, he immediately affirmed this.
"Yes, I believe that. I cannot say on behalf of Duterte, I can only assume that it could have been politics that has made him put my name in that Malacañang-initiated list," he answered.
Meanwhile, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Moro Lazo confirmed that Mabilog's name is not on the PDEA list.
"Yes. Initially, it was not in the list but later on, his name was included," said Lazo.
During the interpellation by the quad committee, Mabilog revealed that he was referring to former Senators Mar Roxas and Franklin Drilon in his affidavit, alleging that he was pressured to implicate the two as 'drug lords.'
