After 14 years in an Indonesian jail, Mary Jane Veloso might soon come back to the Philippines. Indonesian officials are thinking about letting foreign prisoners, including Mary Jane, return to their home countries to serve the rest of their sentence.
The Philippine Ambassador talked with Indonesia’s Legal Ministry, and they’re considering a plan to transfer Mary Jane back. If it happens, she will still need to serve her remaining time, but in a Philippine prison.
Mary Jane’s lawyer, Atty. Olalia, explained that there are three main reasons why President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could grant her clemency (mercy):
- Humanitarian reasons (she has suffered enough).
- Evidence shows Mary Jane was a victim of human trafficking, not a drug smuggler.
- The punishment given in Indonesia doesn’t exist in the Philippines.
The plan isn’t final yet, but the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) supports it. Mary Jane’s family is hopeful and has been informed of the possible transfer.
Mary Jane’s Story:
- In 2010, she was arrested in Indonesia for drug trafficking after being caught with 2.6 kilos of heroin. She was sentenced to death.
- Mary Jane insists she was a victim of human trafficking and didn’t know she was carrying drugs.
- The Philippine government has asked many times for her freedom.
- In 2015, she was given a “temporary reprieve” from execution due to her being a possible trafficking victim.
- In 2020, Mary Jane’s recruiters in the Philippines were found guilty of illegal recruitment.
- Mary Jane saw her family in Indonesia in June 2023.
- In January 2024, her family sent letters to the presidents of both Indonesia and the Philippines, asking for clemency.
If the transfer happens, it would be a big relief for Mary Jane and her family, but the Philippines must still respect the legal decisions made by Indonesia.
