Mary Jane Veloso, who spent nearly 15 years imprisoned in Indonesia on drug trafficking charges, has finally returned to the Philippines. Her arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Wednesday morning was a moment of joy and relief for her family, especially her mother Celia, who was seen crying as she awaited her daughter’s return.
Veloso landed at around 5:51 a.m. on a Cebu Pacific flight from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, marking the end of a long and painful chapter in her life. Upon her arrival, she was taken directly to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City. There, she will undergo a mandatory 5-day quarantine followed by a 55-day period for orientation, diagnostic evaluation, and initial security classification.
During her flight, Veloso was not handcuffed or restrained, in accordance with the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, as stated by BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. He emphasized that such restraints should only be used when strictly necessary. Catapang also assured Veloso’s family that they would be able to visit her in time for Christmas, after she completes her quarantine and medical examinations.
Veloso’s return was the result of coordinated efforts by various Philippine government agencies, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. She was originally arrested in 2010 and sentenced to death that same year after 2.6 kilograms of heroin were discovered in her luggage. A last-minute reprieve came in April 2015 when her recruiters surrendered, prompting Manila to inform Jakarta.
At the airport, Celia Veloso made a heartfelt plea to President Marcos for clemency for her daughter, emphasizing Mary Jane’s innocence and victimhood. She expressed hope that Mary Jane would be granted a pardon so that the family could be reunited. Veloso herself expressed gratitude to Presidents Marcos and Prabowo of Indonesia, along with everyone who helped facilitate her transfer back to Manila.