Celia Veloso, the mother of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso thanked everyone working to bring her daughter back to the Philippines, as discussions with the Indonesian government progressed, raising hopes for her daughter’s possible repatriation.
“The whole family is extremely happy all the way to her children. Her children are ecstatic. They could not believe it,” Mrs. Veloso said in a video interview posted online by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
“Suddenly, their mother could return home. ‘At last,’ her youngest and eldest children said, ‘we will finally have a parent that can take care of us.’ Because they were not able to feel her presence,” the elder Veloso added, recalling the initial reactions of her grandchildren.
Mrs. Veloso shared that the family had endured years of despair over Mary Jane’s case, often feeling hopeless. However, recent discussions have rekindled their hope for her possible return.
“We almost lost hope. But now, with the help of the President, the people who are helping her, it is becoming clear. We are happy because my daughter will finally come home,” she said.
Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega announced in a press briefing that the Philippine government is making every effort to bring Mary Jane Veloso home.
While no written agreement has been finalized with the Indonesian government, De Vega expressed confidence that Veloso’s repatriation will happen soon.
“The fact that Indonesia is talking to us about transferring is the most powerful indication that they have no intent to execute her. And obviously, once she’s here, she is completely safe,” De Vega stated.
