MANILA — After spending 14 years in an Indonesian prison, Filipina death row convict Mary Jane Veloso will be returning to the Philippines before Christmas, an Indonesian official confirmed on Friday.
Indonesian Minister for Human Rights and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, revealed that President Prabowo Subianto directed that Veloso be transferred to the Philippines for the holiday season.
“That is a directive from President Prabowo. I met him two days ago during a cabinet session, and he specifically asked about Mary Jane. He remembered her name,” Mahendra said. “He said, ‘Maybe you can transfer her to the Philippines before Christmas. It will be good news for the Filipino people.'”
Mahendra emphasized that Indonesia is not seeking anything in return for Veloso’s repatriation, noting that it is a voluntary decision in response to the Philippine government’s request.
“Until now, there’s nothing,” he stated. “We are fulfilling the petition from the Philippine government.”
Describing the progress as “wonderful,” Mahendra highlighted that past administrations had struggled to resolve Veloso’s case due to legal challenges.
“This issue has been discussed for over 10 years, but finally, we are able to settle it in just two months. President Prabowo made the decision very quickly,” he said.
Following continued negotiations between Indonesia and the Philippines, a practical arrangement for Veloso’s return was finalized in a meeting with Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday afternoon.
With the approval of President Subianto, Veloso is expected to be sent home at any time before Christmas.
PRACTICAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDONESIA AND THE PHILIPPINES
Mary Jane Veloso will soon return to the Philippines after the signing of a “practical agreement” between the Indonesian and Philippine governments, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced.
“We would like to officially announce that Mary Jane Veloso is coming home,” said DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano.
However, the DOJ declined to provide details on the agreement’s specific terms, stating that the content would be revealed once the President makes an official announcement.
“As to the contents and substance of the practical agreements, we will wait for the President to inform us,” Clavano added.
Veloso’s mother, Celia Veloso, recently expressed her hope that her daughter would be home in time for Christmas. “My appeal to our government is that I hope our President grants her clemency so that we can be with Mary Jane this Christmas,” she said during a Bonifacio Day protest.
Celia, along with various advocacy groups, has also renewed calls for clemency for Mary Jane, who was sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking.
The Indonesian government has stated that it would honor any decision made by the Philippine government regarding Veloso’s case, including the potential for clemency after her return.
It also confirmed that Veloso would be barred from re-entering Indonesia.
Veloso, who was arrested in 2010 for attempting to smuggle 2.6 kilograms of heroin, had been facing execution until 2015, when new developments in her case, including the arrest of her recruiter, prompted a review of her conviction.