Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Public Safety Jed Patrick E. Mabilog has clarified that matters concerning the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Undersecretary for Local Government, addressing claims circulating on social media that he had not reached out to the organization.

In a statement, Mabilog said the DILG’s organizational structure assigns specific functional responsibilities to each of its nine undersecretaries.

He explained that concerns involving local government units (LGUs), including the LMP, are handled by Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan through his office and the DILG Regional Offices, which oversee and monitor LGU affairs nationwide.

Mabilog said his portfolio is focused on the department’s public safety sector, which includes oversight of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), National Emergency Hotline 911, disaster preparedness and response, and other public safety programs.

He stressed that independently initiating official meetings or engagements with the LMP without proper coordination or instruction could be interpreted as encroaching on the functions assigned to another office within the department.

“Out of respect for the Department’s organizational structure and in observance of proper administrative protocol, I refrain from doing so unless specifically directed by DILG Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ C. Remulla,” Mabilog said.

The public safety undersecretary added that he would be honored to attend or speak at activities of the League should he receive a formal invitation, subject to the appropriate coordination and clearance through the Office of the Secretary.

Mabilog said he issued the clarification to prevent any misunderstanding and expressed his willingness to work with local chief executives in promoting public safety and strengthening local governance.

“I look forward to opportunities where we can work together in advancing public safety and strengthening local governance for the benefit of our communities,” he said.IMT