18-12-2024 (MANILA) In a dramatic turn of events that caps a 13-year ordeal, Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina who narrowly escaped execution by firing squad in Indonesia, touched down in Manila in the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday. Her return marks the culmination of years of diplomatic negotiations between the Philippines and Indonesia.
Veloso, now 39 and mother to two children, expressed her readiness for a fresh start upon departing Jakarta, where she had been incarcerated since 2010. The former domestic helper’s case gained international attention when she received an eleventh-hour stay of execution in 2015.
Her homecoming, whilst emotional, was marked by strict security protocols. Upon arrival at Manila’s international airport, Veloso was immediately whisked away to a women’s correctional facility, leaving her awaiting family and supporters unable to greet her.
The scene outside the terminal was charged with emotion as Cesar Veloso, her father, broke down whilst speaking to journalists. “My daughter is innocent, yet they’ve branded her a criminal. We weren’t even allowed to embrace her,” he said through tears. Her mother Celia, however, maintained an optimistic outlook, stating simply, “Her presence here is what matters most.”
Veloso’s case stems from her arrest at Yogyakarta airport in 2010, where authorities discovered 2.6 kilogrammes of heroin hidden in her luggage. Throughout her ordeal, she has maintained her innocence, claiming she was unknowingly used as a drug mule.
Her transfer to Manila comes under an agreement that requires the Philippines to honour the Indonesian court’s sentencing. The timing of her return coincides with Indonesia’s recent repatriation of the remaining “Bali Nine” drug ring members to Australia.
Whilst initially denied direct contact at the airport, the Veloso family was later granted private time with Mary Jane at the detention facility, according to her Philippine legal counsel, Edre Olalia.
The possibility of clemency now rests with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., though executive secretary Lucas Bersamin has cautioned against premature speculation regarding presidential intervention. Indonesian authorities have indicated they will respect any decision made by the Philippine government, including potential clemency.
Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo expressed gratitude towards Indonesia for their “sincere and decisive action” in facilitating Veloso’s return before Christmas. “This momentous homecoming has been made possible by their generous consideration,” Manalo noted in an official statement.
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