Indonesia: Transfer process to PH may begin in December

Overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso, who was sentenced to death in Indonesia on drug charges, will be handed over to the Philippines following years of “long and difficult” negotiations, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Wednesday.

The Indonesian government said it is eyeing to initiate the transfer process of Veloso next month once the conditions set for the Philippine government are met.

The conditions include Veloso serving the remainder of her sentence in the Philippines; Manila’s recognition of the Indonesian court’s final decision on her case; and the Philippine government agreeing to shoulder the cost of her return.

“After over a decade of diplomacy and consultations with the Indonesian government, we managed to delay her execution long enough to reach an agreement to finally bring her back to the Philippines,” Mr. Marcos said in a statement.

The President said Veloso’s “story resonates with many: a mother trapped by the grip of poverty, who made one desperate choice that altered the course of her life.”

“While she was held accountable under Indonesian law, she remains a victim of her circumstances,” he added.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the aim of the government “would be not just for her to be transferred but for the president, our president, to be able to issue clemency.”

He said Jakarta has not sought anything in exchange for Veloso’s transfer of detention.

“It is possible that President Marcos will grant pardon and change her sentence to life imprisonment, considering that the death penalty has been abolished in the Philippine criminal code, so this step is within the full authority of the President of the Philippines,” he said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla added: “If she has to serve a life term, she will serve the life term but we are against the notion of death penalty. It is something that we oppose.”

Indonesia’s law and human rights minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said President Prabowo Subianto had “approved the transfer of prisoner policy” on Veloso’s case.

“Apart from the Philippines, the countries that have proposed transferring the prisoner are Australia and France,” Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction said in a statement.

Veloso, was arrested in Indonesia in 2010 carrying a suitcase lined with 2.6 kilograms of heroin and later sentenced to death by firing squad.

The mother-of-two’s case sparked an uproar, with her family and supporters saying she was innocent and had been set up by an international drug syndicate.

They said she was duped into signing up for a non-existent job abroad as a domestic worker and was not aware the suitcase her recruiter gave her contained hidden drugs.

The Philippine government won a last-minute reprieve for Veloso in 2015 after a woman suspected of recruiting her was arrested and put on trial for human trafficking in which Veloso was named as a prosecution witness.

De Vega said the Department of Justice and the DFA will coordinate to establish a delegation to oversee the details of Veloso’s return.

DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano confirmed that while specific plans are still under discussion, one potential location for Veloso’s detention upon her return is the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.

As for her transfer from Indonesia, Clavano said the National Bureau of Investigation has been assigned to ensure Veloso’s safety during transit, working closely with the DFA.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines hailed Veloso’s forthcoming return to the Philippines.

“We celebrate a moment of immense joy and relief as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has confirmed that after 14 long years of imprisonment, Mary Jane Veloso will finally be transferred back home to the Philippines,” CBCP-Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) vice chair Bishop Ruperto Santos said in a statement.

“Mary Jane’s journey is a testament to the answered prayers of many. It is where the power of faith, perseverance, and the unwavering support of a united community prevailed,” the Antipolo prelate added.

Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez thanked the President for his resolute diplomatic endeavor that secured the return of Veloso.

“This achievement highlights the President’s firm commitment to protecting and upholding the rights of our overseas Filipino workers, even in the most difficult of circumstances,” Romualdez said. “His determination to engage in meaningful diplomacy reflects the government’s priority to put our people’s welfare above all else.”

“The return of Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines is a triumph of hope, diplomacy, and justice. Her case symbolizes the enduring struggle of many Filipinos abroad who are driven by the desire to uplift their families, only to face extraordinary challenges,” he added.

In particular, Mr. Marcos and Prabowo have met twice this year –first when the then Indonesian president-elect visited Manila and then again when Marcos flew to Indonesia to attend Prabowo’s inauguration.

OFW Rep. Marissa Magsino added: “Mary Jane is a symbol of many Filipinos who have been victims of human trafficking and illegal activities, but remain steadfast in their search for justice and hope. Her return to her home and return to the Philippines gives way and hope for a new chapter in his life.”

Senate President Francis Escudero said the Philippines owes immense gratitude to President Prabowo and to the entire Indonesian government for its compassion.

“We call on the authorities concerned to ensure the safety of Mary Jane upon her return to the Philippines and to reach out to her family and allay whatever fears or concerns they may have about her transfer,” he said.

“This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of every Filipino, especially those facing challenging circumstances abroad,” added Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada.

Senator Raffy Tulfo commended Mr. Marcos for his successful diplomatic efforts that facilitated Veloso’s impending return.

“As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, I am grateful that under the leadership of PBBM, the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in different parts of the world is always protected and prioritized,” he added. With AFP

Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Mary Jane Veloso will return to the Philippines—Marcos.”