JAKARTA (UCAN): “This is a miracle because, honestly, even now, it still feels like a dream. Every morning when I wake up, I think about my aspirations, aspirations that I never had any certainty about,” Mary Jane Veloso said on December 13 in her first interview since Manila and Jakarta signed an agreement to repatriate her [Sunday Examiner, December 1].
The agreement states the execution of Veloso’s sentence upon return to the Philippines “will be governed by Philippine laws,” with Manila given the authority to grant her clemency.
Veloso has been on death row in Indonesia since 2010 after being arrested for carrying a suitcase with 2.6 kilogrammes of heroin; a case that caused an uproar in the Philippines. The 39-year-old mother of two claims she was deceived by an international drug syndicate while on her way to work as a maid. In 2015, she narrowly avoided execution after her suspected recruiter was arrested.
In early December, Indonesia’s senior law and human rights minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, announced that a “practical arrangement” was signed for her return. He mentioned that she could be transferred “around December 20” before Christmas. He also said her death penalty might be changed to life imprisonment.
“That’s why I always prayed to God, ‘Lord, I only ask for one chance to go home and be with my family.’ And God answered that prayer,” Veloso said.
She now dreams of being reunited with her family after 14 years in prison, and wants to advocate for other women if released.
“What I’m certain about is my first priority: focusing on my family,” she said.
“After almost 15 years, that is what I am waiting for… I can go home to my country,” she said, adding, “I need to prepare mentally to face it all, to face my family, to face everybody out there.”
Veloso’s family is set to arrive on Central Java Island, where she is being held. An Indonesian official stated that a Christmas farewell party has been organised for her.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Her mother, Celia Veloso, 65, has appealed to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for clemency so her daughter can spend Christmas with the family.
“We are excited to finally be with my daughter,” she said on December 13, noting, “Her two kids are pining to be with her too.”
