MANILA (Agencies): Mary Jane Veloso, who was sentenced to death in Indonesia on drug charges, will be handed over to the Philippines after years of “long and difficult” negotiations, according to president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on November 20, UCAN reported on November 20.
Bishop Ruperto Santos, vice chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said it’s a “relief” that Veloso will be transferred to the Philippines after 14 years in incarceration, according to CBCP News.
“Mary Jane’s journey is a testament to the answered prayers of many. This news brings hope and happiness to her family and all those who have tirelessly advocated for her release,” Bishop Santos said on November 22.
Veloso was arrested in Indonesia in 2010 carrying a suitcase lined with 2.6 kilogrammes of heroin and later sentenced to death by firing squad.
The long case of the mother of two sparked an uproar in the Philippines, with her family and supporters saying she was innocent and had been set up by an international drug syndicate.
Mary Jane’s journey is a testament to the answered prayers of many. This news brings hope and happiness to her family and all those who have tirelessly advocated for her release
Bishop Ruperto Santos
The Philippine government won a last-minute reprieve for Veloso in 2015 after the woman suspected of recruiting her was arrested and put on trial for human trafficking, for which Veloso was named as a prosecution witness, UCAN reported.
“After over a decade of diplomacy and consultations with the Indonesian government, we managed to delay her execution long enough to reach an agreement to bring her back to the Philippines finally,” Marcos said in a statement.
Indonesia’s law and human rights minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, said the president, Prabowo Subianto, had “approved the transfer of prisoner policy” on Veloso’s case. He added that the transfer was likely to take place in December and Marcos Jr. would now make the decision on her pardon.
Philippine Foreign undersecretary, Eduardo de Vega, told reporters in Manila that the government’s aim “would be not just for her to be transferred” but to help her pardon from the Philippine president.
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De Vega said Jakarta had not sought anything in exchange for Veloso’s transfer of detention.
Marcos said that Veloso’s “story resonates with many: a mother trapped by the grip of poverty, who made one desperate choice that altered the course of her life.”
He added, “While she was held accountable under Indonesian law, she remains a victim of her circumstances.”
Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante Europe, expressed happiness at the development and thanked the governments of the Philippines and Indonesia.
“More thanks to the Church people who are with us in praying for the safety and release of Mary Jane Veloso,” he said on November 20.
“To the Filipino people who are part of the campaign and to us overseas Filipino workers around the world, this is our victory,” Martinez added.
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines pointed out, “In the long run, the best way to prevent another case like that of Mary Jane is to provide adequate jobs here in the country. Jobs that can give decent lives for all,” LICAS News reported on November 25.
