Mary Jane Veloso —PHOTO COURTESY OF VELOSO FAMILY
MANILA, Philippines — Mary Jane Veloso will be sent back to the Philippines from Indonesia, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed Wednesday.
In a statement, Marcos said the Philippine and Indonesian governments agreed to bring Veloso back to Manila after 10 years of diplomacy and consultation regarding her case.
“We managed to delay her execution long enough to reach an agreement to finally bring her back to the Philippines,” said Marcos.
READ: Timeline: The case of Mary Jane Veloso
“Mary Jane’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.
READ: Mary Jane Veloso’s transfer to PH facility under discussion – DFA
The president also extended his gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and their government for their goodwill, calling it a reflection of the two countries’ shared commitment to justice and compassion.
In 2010, Veloso was arrested at Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta after she was found in possession of more than 2.6 kilograms of heroin.
Veloso maintained she was unaware of the contents of her luggage as it was only given by her recruiters, identified as Julius Lacanilao and Maria Cristina Sergio.