Ex-Iloilo City mayor Mabilog surrenders to NBI

Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog has surrendered to authorities over the graft charges filed against him, the National Bureau of Investigation confirmed on Tuesday. 

According to NBI’s post-operation report, Mabilog landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Tuesday and surrendered to the NBI-National Capital Region and the International Airport Investigation Division operatives. 

The NBI said that Mabilog had already given a “surrender feeler” last Monday, “signifying his intent to voluntarily surrender to the authorities and face the criminal charges filed against him.” 

“According to accused Mabilog, he earlier sought ‘Political Asylum’ from the government of the United States of America and was indeed granted,” the bureau added. 

The Lapu-Lapu City Regional Trial Court Branch 73 and Sandiganbayan Third Division issued an arrest warrant against Mabilog for violation of the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees” and the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.” 

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft charges against Mabilog and councilor Plaridel Nava II before the Sandiganbayan in 2023 over alleged intervention in the awarding of a government contract to a towing services firm where they have an interest in.

Based on the criminal information filed by the government prosecutors, Mabilog and Nava allegedly entered a memorandum of agreement with 3L Towing Services allowing the latter to clamp and/or tow illegally parked vehicles in the city without competitive processes as provided under Republic Act 6957.

Mabilog is currently under the custody of NBI-NCR Detention Facility in Ermita, Manila. —VAL, GMA Integrated News