Filipino death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso has been transferred to Jakarta, Indonesia, to initiate the repatriation process after 14 years in detention, her mother, Celia Veloso, confirmed on Monday.
According to Celia, Mary Jane was moved from Yogyakarta to a facility in Jakarta on Sunday, leading to the cancellation of the family’s planned trip to visit her in Indonesia.
“Kahapon pa po nasa Jakarta na… pinunta na po sa Jakarta, aayusin lang ‘yung mga papeles na kailangan at alam ko po na makakauwi na ang aking anak kaya hihintayin na lang po namin dito,” Celia shared in an interview on Unang Balita.
(She was already transferred to Jakarta yesterday… She was brought there to process the necessary documents. I know my daughter will be able to come home soon, so we will just wait here.)
Hopeful Homecoming by Christmas
Despite the canceled trip, Celia expressed joy and optimism, hoping that Mary Jane will return to the Philippines before Christmas.
“Malakas ang pakiramdam namin at kaming lahat buong pamilya ay talagang ‘yun ang inaasahan namin, na makakasama naming nitong mag-Pasko si Mary Jane,” she said.
(We have a strong feeling, and all of us in the family are truly hoping that Mary Jane will be with us this Christmas.)
Timeline and Presidential Decision
According to reports, Mary Jane’s repatriation could take place around December 20. Convicted of drug trafficking in 2010, Veloso spent over a decade on Indonesia’s death row.
Her return depends on whether President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. grants her clemency or commutes her sentence to life imprisonment, as the Philippines does not have the death penalty.
Veloso’s legal team and supporters have appealed to the President to grant clemency following an agreement that would allow her return to Philippine custody.
A “Miracle” in the Making
Mary Jane Veloso previously described her planned transfer as a “miracle,” bringing renewed hope to her family and supporters after years of uncertainty.