President Ferdinand Marcos on Wednesday welcomed the return of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina worker who spent almost 15 years on death row in Indonesia.
In a statement, President Marcos expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to Veloso’s safety.
“We take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to the Indonesian government and to all who have extended assistance for the welfare of Ms. Mary Jane Veloso,” Mr. Marcos said.
“We assure the Filipino people that Ms. Veloso’s safety and welfare is paramount and our agencies in the justice and law enforcement sector shall continue to ensure it, as our Indonesian counterparts have safeguarded it for so long,” he added.
Mr. Marcos said that the Philippine government welcomes Veloso’s transfer, hailing the Indonesians for its cooperation and friendship.
Veloso was handed over to Philippine officials on Dec. 17 and arrived in Manila early Dec. 18, accompanied by representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Immigration, and the Bureau of Corrections.
Moreover, the chief executive emphasized that Veloso’s repatriation highlights the strength of Philippine-Indonesian relations and reflects the ongoing efforts of his administration to uphold the welfare of Filipinos abroad.
Veloso, arrested in 2010 in Indonesia for drug trafficking, has long maintained her innocence, claiming she was a victim of human trafficking.
Her arrest has been a rallying point for advocacy groups and successive Philippine administrations, with calls for clemency and justice.
