Homeward Bound: Mary Jane Veloso Returns to the Philippines Tomorrow
MARY JANE VELOSO – Filipina death row convict Mary Jane Veloso is set to return to the Philippines tomorrow, marking the beginning of a new chapter for her and her family after more than a decade of separation.
Mary Jane Veloso is set to return to the Philippines tomorrow, December 18, following an agreement signed by the Philippine government with Indonesia for her repatriation. Veloso was recently transferred to Jakarta from a women’s prison in Yogyakarta province to facilitate her return.
Indonesia’s Deputy Coordinator of Immigration and Corrections, Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram, confirmed that she would be flown back to the Philippines early Wednesday morning. Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega revealed that personnel from the DFA, Bureau of Corrections, and the National Bureau of Investigation were already in Jakarta to handle the necessary processing for Veloso’s return.
The Philippine government is shouldering all costs associated with her repatriation. In a statement, Veloso’s family expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts to facilitate her return home. Due to her transfer to Jakarta, they were unable to visit her in Yogyakarta, but de Vega assured that the family would welcome her in the Philippines instead.
Veloso was arrested in 2010 for smuggling 2.6 kilograms of heroin into Indonesia, a crime for which she was sentenced to death. Her execution was halted just hours before she was to face the firing squad, following the surrender of her recruiter who had allegedly planted drugs in her luggage. This intervention from the Philippine government played a significant role in securing her reprieve.
Malacañang described Veloso’s upcoming homecoming as the result of over a decade of diplomatic efforts. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized the country’s duty to bring Veloso back to her family, after being separated from them for so long.
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Additionally, OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino welcomed Veloso’s return, noting that it was a much-needed step toward justice. Magsino has filed House Resolution 2139 urging President Marcos to grant a presidential pardon to Veloso. She emphasized that the case sheds light on the exploitation faced by overseas Filipino workers and the need for greater government intervention to address such issues.
Veloso’s repatriation coincides with Indonesia’s recent policy shift, allowing the transfer of custody of foreign prisoners to their countries of nationality. However, under this arrangement, Indonesia will retain legal custody, while the Philippines will have physical custody. President Marcos has negotiated a deal where he will have the discretion to grant a presidential pardon upon Veloso’s transfer to a Philippine prison, with Indonesia respecting such a decision.