Indonesia vows to help PH capture Veloso recruiters—DFA

Mary Jane Veloso. AFP FILE PHOTO

The Indonesian government has vowed to help the Philippines capture those responsible for bringing convicted Filipina drug courier Mary Jane Veloso to its country, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Following a recent meeting with Yogyakarta chief prosecutor Tony Spontana, DFA officials and Veloso’s lawyers, the foreign affairs department said Indonesia was ready to provide assistance on the case against the illegal recruiters.

“The two sides confirmed their respective government’s commitment to work together in responding to the Philippine government’s request for mutual legal assistance in relation to the prosecution of those responsible for bringing Mary Jane to Indonesia,” the DFA said in a statement on Thursday.

In 2010, Veloso was arrested after authorities found 2.6 kilograms of heroin inside her bag at Yogyakarta airport.

Last week, the DFA arranged a “humanitarian visit” to Veloso with her parents and two children.

According to the DFA, a simple celebration inside the prison’s social hall was arranged by the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta for the 31^st birthday of Veloso.

“A cake and the children’s favorite fried chicken were brought inside the prison for the celebration,” DFA said, adding Veloso’s family brought her clothing, books, letters and greeting cards from friends and relatives as presents.

The visit took place at Wirongunan Penitentiary in Yogyakarta from Jan. 12 to 15. RC