Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina woman who faced the death penalty in Indonesia for nearly 15 years, arrived in her homeland on December 18, 2024. Her return follows a last-minute legal agreement between Indonesia and the Philippines, allowing her to serve the remainder of her sentence at home, rather than facing execution.
Veloso’s story began in 2010 when she was arrested at an Indonesian airport with 2.6 kilograms of heroin hidden in her luggage. She claimed she was duped into carrying the drugs by a recruiting acquaintance, Maria Kristina Sergio, who promised her employment as a domestic worker. Veloso’s case drew international attention, especially in the Philippines, where the death penalty has long been abolished.
In 2015, while Veloso and eight other drug convicts were slated for execution, her life was spared following Sergio’s arrest in the Philippines. This arrest provided an opportunity for Veloso to testify about how she was unwittingly used as a drug courier, leading to a suspension of her execution.
Veloso’s legal situation shifted when the governments of Indonesia and the Philippines signed an agreement on December 6, which facilitated her transfer. This arrangement not only secured her return to the Philippines but also revoked the previous execution order. However, as part of the agreement, she is prohibited from returning to Indonesian territory indefinitely.
On her arrival at Manila’s airport, Veloso was greeted by her family and supporters, who displayed a banner reading “Welcome home Mary Jane,” amidst flowers and cheers. Her emotional reunion at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong was marked by tears and expressions of gratitude, with Veloso thanking both the Indonesian and Philippine presidents for their roles in her repatriation.
Philippine officials highlighted the case as a testament to effective diplomacy, underscoring the emphasis on the rule of law and human rights. Eduardo Jose De Vega, undersecretary for migration affairs at the Philippines Foreign Affairs Department, noted the significance of the legal discussions that led to Veloso’s return.
Despite the relief and celebratory mood surrounding her return, Veloso’s legal journey continues. Her family and supporters are advocating for presidential clemency in the Philippines to fully secure her freedom. While at the Correctional Institution for Women, her family hopes to spend special occasions, such as Christmas Eve, with her.
Veloso remains optimistic, expressing hope and faith in a positive future. “I am grateful to God who has answered my prayers,” she stated. “I will return to my country, and I am sure that God has a beautiful plan for my life.” Her statement reflects not only her gratitude but also her enduring hope for a life beyond incarceration.
Mary Jane Veloso’s return to the Philippines marks a significant step in her legal and personal journey. Despite facing the grim prospect of execution, she now has an opportunity for a new chapter in her life. Her case underscores the complex interplay of international law, human rights, and diplomacy, and continues to inspire discussions about justice and clemency.
