Mary Jane Veloso says ‘miracle’ repatriation God’s answer to prayer

Filipino drug convict on death row in Indonesia, Mary Jane Veloso, shows a batik design she created during her time at Yogyakarta Women’s Correctional Institution Class IIB in Wonosari, Yogyakarta on December 13, 2024. Veloso told AFP from prison on December 13 that her planned transfer was a “miracle”, in her first interview since Manila and Jakarta signed an agreement last week to repatriate her. —Photo by Devi Rahman/Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A Filipina inmate on death row in Indonesia told Agence France-Presse (AFP) from prison Friday that her planned transfer was a “miracle,” in her first interview since Manila and Jakarta signed an agreement last week to repatriate her.

Mother of two Mary Jane Veloso, 39, was arrested and sentenced to death in 2010 after the suitcase she was carrying was found to be lined with 2.6 kilograms of heroin, in a case that sparked uproar in the Philippines.

Both she and her supporters claim she was duped by an international drug syndicate. In 2015, she narrowly escaped execution after her suspected recruiter was arrested.

“This is a miracle because, honestly, even now, it still feels like a dream. Every morning when I wake up, I think about my aspirations, aspirations that I never had any certainty about,” she said.

“That’s why I always prayed to God, ‘Lord, I only ask for one chance to go home and be with my family.’ And God answered that prayer,” she added.

Last week, Indonesia’s senior law and human rights Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said a “practical arrangement” had been signed for her repatriation.

He said Veloso’s transfer could happen “around Dec. 20” and that he had heard her death penalty would be reduced to life imprisonment.

Veloso’s case sparked outrage in the Philippines, with rallies of support and world boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao pleading for her life.

Her supporters said she was headed to work as a maid when she was arrested in Indonesia.

New priorities

She now dreams of being reunited with her family after 14 years in prison, and wants to advocate for other women if released.

“What I’m certain about is my first priority: focusing on my family,” she said.

Veloso said she had feelings of “happiness” since hearing news of the repatriation agreement.

“After almost 15 years, that is what I am waiting for … I can go home to my country,” she said.

“I need to prepare mentally to face it all, to face my family, to face everybody out there.”

Veloso’s family are due to arrive next week on central Java island where she is being held, with a Christmas farewell party organized for her, an Indonesian official told AFP.

Her mother Celia Veloso, 65, called for President Marcos to grant her clemency so she can spend Christmas with her family.

“We are excited to finally be with my daughter,” she told AFP on Friday.

“Her two kids are pining to be with her too.”

Veloso said she had learned how to play volleyball in prison, and showed off traditional Indonesian batik clothing she had made. —Agence France-Presse