Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog emotionally recounted his painful experience after being included in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s infamous drug list, which he described as a “hit list.”
During a hearing, Mabilog could not hold back his tears as he shared his ordeal. In his affidavit, he strongly denied any involvement in illegal drug operations, highlighting the numerous awards he received for strengthening the anti-drug campaign, both locally and internationally.
In 2016, Mabilog’s name was included in Duterte’s drug list. The following year, he left Iloilo to attend an engagement in Japan and never returned to the Philippines.
Instead, he fled to the United States, seeking political asylum. The process took 15 months as U.S. authorities conducted a thorough investigation into the drug allegations against him.
Mabilog decided to testify before the Quad Com to ensure that the persecution and trauma he endured would not be experienced by others.
He called for justice and reform, particularly in how law enforcement agencies operate in the Philippines. Mabilog expressed his hope that truth and fairness would prevail over politics and personal interests.
During the hearing, Rep. Johnny Pimentel questioned the circumstances surrounding Mabilog’s inclusion in the drug list, despite his active involvement in the anti-drug campaign.
Mabilog also showed a video clip of Duterte, who threatened that he would be killed next.
Rep. Pimentel concluded that Mabilog was a victim of false accusations. Meanwhile, Rep. Stephen “Caraps” Paduano asked the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) whether Mabilog was on their official drug list.
The PDEA responded that he was not, but they had received a list from Malacañang that included his name.
