By Jennifer P. Rendon
Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog revealed that Iloilo City lone district Rep. Julienne “JamJam” Baronda played a crucial role in ending his seven-year self-exile in the United States.
During a press conference, Mabilog acknowledged that Baronda not only facilitated his return but was also involved in helping his family from the beginning.
“Congresswoman JamJam was there since Day 1,” Mabilog said, recounting the events leading up to his departure from the country.
He referred to the “fateful night” in August 2017 before he traveled to Japan for a disaster management conference where he was a speaker.
At the time, Mabilog’s wife, Maria Victoria “Marivic” Mabilog, and their son were in Iloilo City. Fearing for their safety due to threats, they urgently flew to Japan in their house clothes.
“JamJam Baronda helped them. At that time, my wife didn’t have money in her pocket,” Mabilog revealed, adding that it was Baronda, then a private citizen, who paid for their airfare to Japan.
Mabilog expressed deep gratitude to Baronda, praising her strong will and support during those difficult times.
ROLE IN CLEARING ILOILO’S NAME
Speculation about Mabilog’s return began after a House quad committee hearing, during which Baronda hinted at the possibility of asking him to come back to help clear Iloilo City’s reputation.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte had labeled Iloilo as the “most shabulized” city in the country during his administration’s war on drugs.
At an August 17 hearing of the House Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts, Baronda requested that the committees clear the city’s name, noting that neither Duterte nor police authorities had provided solid evidence linking Iloilo City or Mabilog to illegal drugs.
Baronda believes Mabilog could shed light on the situation, helping to restore the city’s reputation.
