ILOILO CITY — After returning to the country late last year from exile, former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog here participated in the Via Crucis (The Way of the Cross) on Good Friday.
FORMER Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog of Iloilo City carries the cross during the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) on Good Friday in Iloilo City. (Photo courtesy Bombo Radyo)
“Having been mocked and persecuted for carrying the cross has never discouraged nor stopped me from doing my 'panata' (devotion),” wrote Mabilog in a Facebook post.
This was Mabilog's first participation in the Way of the Cross since leaving the country in August 2017 when then President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to have him killed for being an alleged drug protector.
Mabilog denied the claim.
“Today, Thank you Lord! I carry it (the cross) again,” expressed Mabilog.
A devout Catholic, Mabilog credited his faith for sustaining him during the dark days when he and his family constantly faced death threats from Duterte.
Mabilog began participating in the Via Crucis in 2003 in the Assumption of Our Lady Parish in Barrio Obrero on Good Friday.
He said that he joined the Via Crucis of Mexican communities while in exile in the United States.
“With seven years of being away, I (experienced it) with the Mexican communities. But nothing compares to Barrio Obrero,” added Mabilog.
Mabilog also carried the cross during Good Friday when he was mayor.