Transfer of Mary Jane Veloso to Philippine custody is crucial, says Catholic bishop

Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo has expressed hope that the much-talked-about transfer of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino on death row in Indonesia, will soon be realized.

Nov 21, 2024

Related News

Celia Veloso, mother of overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso, who has been on death row for 12 years in Indonesia over drug-related charges, join a candlelit demonstration to call for the freedom of her daughter in this file photo taken on September 13, 2016. (Photo by Angie de Silva)

MANILA: “May this potential transfer bring her closer to home, where she can receive the care and support she needs,” said Santos, who heads Stella Maris-Philippines, a Church-based migrants’ organization.

In a report by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, the prelate urged the public to “remain hopeful and united in our efforts to seek justice and mercy” for Veloso.

The Philippine and Indonesian governments have initiated discussions regarding the possible turnover of Veloso to a Philippine prison to serve her sentence, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed Tuesday.

The DFA said that it “joins the Filipino nation in the hope and prayers for a successful resolution of this issue, one which shall do justice to Ms. Veloso and her family while strengthening the deep bonds of friendship between the Philippines and Indonesia.”

Veloso was convicted of drug trafficking after she was caught with 2.6 kilograms of heroin in Yogyakarta. She maintains her innocence, claiming she was a victim of human trafficking.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday thanked Indonesia for approving Veloso’s return to the Philippines to serve her sentence.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government for their goodwill,” he said.

“This outcome is a reflection of the depth of our nation’s partnership with Indonesia—united in a shared commitment to justice and compassion,” Marcos said. “Thank you, Indonesia. We look forward to welcoming Mary Jane home.”

Marcos highlighted the extensive diplomatic efforts undertaken over the years to delay Veloso’s execution, which eventually led to an agreement for her transfer to the Philippines.

He emphasized that Veloso’s story reflects the struggles of many individuals caught in poverty, describing her as a mother whose desperate choices had life-altering consequences.

While acknowledging her accountability under Indonesian law, he underscored that she remains a victim of her circumstances.--licas.news