DILG Usec. Mabilog under fire over priorities
Months into his post as Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Public Safety, former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is facing criticism over what local officials call a lack of concrete action. The concern comes amid mounting public safety issues nationwide — including a school shooting in Tacloban, an earthquake in Sarangani, reports of jails being used for illegal drug operations, and fire incidents hampered by narrow road access.
In Iloilo, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Iloilo Chapter said most towns still rely on aging and dilapidated fire trucks. LMP President and Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon said in a radio interview that Mabilog has yet to initiate dialogue with the group. The LMP earlier sent a request addressed to the DILG Central Office.
As undersecretary, Mabilog oversees the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
AIRPORT EXCHANGE
On May 28, 2026, Mabilog and LMP Iloilo Vice President and Anilao Mayor Ma. Teresa “Matet” Debuque reportedly had a tense encounter at Iloilo International Airport for a DILG rice distribution program guidelines inquiry. Debuque said, Mabilog reacted after hearing “rice” program, thinking it was a reference to “RISE,” the political slogan of his rival, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas.
Debuque used the chance to ask for help on municipal concerns. Mabilog later apologized.
ESTANCIA FIRE TRUCK PLEA
On July 14, 2026, Fire Inspector Jory Biliran publicly asked Mabilog to help Estancia get a new fire truck after a video went viral showing a fire hose releasing air instead of water during a fire at Estancia Port that damaged a coffee shop and stalls.
The town’s fire response relies on trucks that are 26 and 12 years old. Biliran said, “Kay Usec Mabilog, tani Sir kon gapamati ka man, buligan mo di ang banwa sang Estancia nga maka fire truck bag-o.” Mabilog replied on Facebook: “Rest assured that your concern has already been referred to Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil A. Kwan Tiu, Officer-In-Charge of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), for his immediate attention and appropriate action. I have every confidence that Chief Kwan Tiu and the BFP leadership will promptly assess the situation and take the necessary steps to address the operational requirements of the Estancia Fire Station in accordance with existing policies, priorities, and available resources. The Department of the Interior and Local Government remains committed to supporting our firefighters and strengthening the capabilities of our fire stations to better protect the communities they serve.”
BACKLASH
Critics online said, Mabilog appears more often in seminars and ceremonies than in the field. In his latest post, Mabilog said, he talked with BFP-6, and a new firetruck will arrive as soon as possible. Netizens also took this opportunity to ask Mabilog if when can he do the same to other towns with the same concerns.
He was also criticized by RMN Iloilo after posting about reports involving his niece, City Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog, who was allegedly cited for violating a DILG circular on the use of government vehicles on non-working days on May 23, 2026.
Usec. Mabilog posted on May 25, 2026: “Ay hala, ako kahapon Domingo nga adlaw, nag responde kag nagkadto sa Angeles, Pampanga bangod sa pag collapse sang isa ka building. Gin gamit ko ang government-issued nga salakyan. Bangod nga wala pagkaon sa Command Center, gin gamit ang akon service vehicle para magbakal sang 100 pesos budget meal sa Jollibee para sa mga responders. Kon na picturan gali sang malisyoso ang salakyan nga gabakal pagkaon, malisyahan pa gid gali kay Domingo. Ang pagserbisyo wala gina pili nga adlaw. Ang pinaka importante sa tanan, official business kag PADAYON ANG SERBISYO!!! Explicar lang Sheen Marie Mabilog, tandaan mo wala bulong sa hisa!” The post drew flak for seemingly undermining a policy his own agency enforces.
Social media posts by ally Rep. Julienne Baronda also show Mabilog joining aid distributions. A Facebook page linked to Mabilog also uses colors and slogans associated with Baronda.
