Mary Jane Veloso’s return to the Philippines early Wednesday morning marks a significant diplomatic achievement and underscores the strong bond between the Philippines and Indonesia, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). At a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday night, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ed de Vega expressed gratitude towards the Indonesian government for facilitating Veloso’s transfer back to her home country.
De Vega emphasized that Veloso’s transfer is a testament to the successful diplomacy and the positive relationship between the two nations. He assured that the Philippines would adhere to the ‘practical arrangement’ agreed upon last week concerning Veloso’s case, highlighting the country’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Veloso, who faced the death penalty in Indonesia since 2010 after being found with 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage, expressed her gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., along with others who helped in her transfer to Manila.
Upon her arrival, Veloso will be taken to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City. The Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction had previously stated that Jakarta would approve her transfer once certain conditions were met, including serving the remainder of her sentence in the Philippines.
The decision on whether to grant Veloso remission or a pardon will now be in the hands of the Philippine head of state. Veloso’s last-minute reprieve in 2015 came after Manila informed Jakarta of the surrender of her recruiters, sparing her from execution alongside eight other drug convicts.