Filipino death row convict Mary Jane Veloso has returned to the Philippines after nearly 15 years of imprisonment in Indonesia for drug trafficking, in what the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) hailed as a significant achievement in the bilateral ties between the two nations.
Veloso arrived early Wednesday morning at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport aboard a Cebu Pacific commercial flight. She was then transferred to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.
Humanitarian Action
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government for the humanitarian gesture, emphasizing its importance in fostering trust and friendship between the Philippines and Indonesia.
“This is a significant achievement for the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Indonesia, a mark of the trust and friendship between our two nations,” Manalo said in a statement.
Manalo also extended his appreciation to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his approval of the measures that led to Veloso’s repatriation and to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its collaboration with the DFA throughout the process.
Veloso’s Journey
Veloso’s transfer followed an agreement between Manila and Jakarta, culminating in her return just days before Christmas. The OFW-turned-death-row inmate has long maintained her innocence, asserting that she was duped into transporting drugs to Indonesia.
Veloso continues to appeal for clemency or pardon from President Marcos to allow her a chance to rebuild her life.
The repatriation comes as a significant moment, symbolizing not just legal cooperation but also a commitment to humanitarian values in international relations.