Mary Jane Veloso is returning to the Philippines after 14 years on death row, bringing hope for her family and advocates. Her story is a stark reminder of the struggles that Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) faces when caught in desperate circumstances.
It is known that she was convicted of drug trafficking in 2010, and since then, former presidents Benigno Aquino III and Rodrigo Roa Duterte have worked to bring Veloso home despite the complexities of her case. Now, President Bongbong Marcos has announced the positive news of her long-awaited return.
To better understand the story of Mary Jane Veloso and her life summary abroad, below are some of the details for the past years.
Mary Jane Veloso’s Story
Born into poverty in Nueva Ecija, Mary Jane Veloso worked tirelessly to support her two sons, aged 8 and 3 at the time, by accepting jobs abroad.
After a stint as a domestic helper in Dubai, she was recruited by a neighbor for another job in Malaysia. However, that job did not materialize. Instead, she was sent to Indonesia for what she thought was a vacation.
Her ordeal began in 2010 when she was arrested at Yogyakarta’s Adisucipto Airport. Authorities discovered 2.6 kilograms of heroin hidden in her suitcase lining.
The bag she claimed was handed to her by her godsister, Cristina Sergio. Veloso has maintained her innocence, asserting she was tricked by her recruiters.
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The Fight to Save Mary Jane
Convicted and sentenced to death, her case drew widespread attention and advocacy. Former President Benigno Aquino III personally intervened in 2015, requesting Indonesian authorities to delay her execution and consider her a victim of human trafficking.
That last-minute appeal granted Veloso an indefinite stay of execution just hours before her scheduled firing squad.
Over the years, Veloso’s recruiters, Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao, were convicted of large-scale illegal recruitment in the Philippines.
This conviction bolstered Veloso’s claim of innocence, sparking renewed calls for her release. Advocates argue that Veloso, trapped by poverty, was an unwitting courier.
Duterte on Mary Jane Veloso
The previous administration under President Rodrigo Duterte had a measured stance. While Duterte advocated for a strict approach to illegal drugs, he recognized the complexities of Veloso’s case.
He emphasized her role as a possible victim of trafficking. This position kept diplomatic negotiations alive but did not secure Veloso’s return during his term.
The Marcos Administration Steps In
The return of Mary Jane Veloso now at 39 has been facilitated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who announced the breakthrough in diplomacy with Indonesia. Both countries agreed to let her return to serve her sentence, fulfilling a long-standing request from the Philippines.
Although it was not immediately clear when Veloso would transport to the Philippines, Marcos expressed his eagerness to welcome her home. He even shared his excitement on his Twitter/X account, captioning, “Mary Jane Veloso is coming home.”
While Veloso’s family and supporters rejoice, questions remain about her future. Advocates, including Migrante International, are calling for her pardon on humanitarian grounds.
Her mother, Celia Veloso, hopes for freedom, dreaming of a long-awaited reunion with her daughter and grandchildren.
Mary Jane Is Finally Home
After spending almost 15 years in prison, Veloso was transferred from a prison in Yogyakarta to Jakarta on Sunday, December 15 and flown to Manila on Tuesday night. She arrived in the Philippines on December 18 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
In her arrival, she was assisted by Philippine officials led by Eduardo de Vega, the DFA undersecretary.
Before she returned in the Philippines, she was emotional but grateful. She shared that she was treated well during her 14 years in prison and had collected souvenirs like a guitar and books.
“Thank you, Indonesia, I love Indonesia,” she said, making a heart with her fingers.
At the airport, Veloso thanked Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and God for answering her prayers.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat…sa Pilipinas,” Veloso said. …Maraming salamat kay President Prabowo…kay Pangulong Marcos,” she added.
“This is my new life, which I’ll start again in the Philippines,” she said in Bahasa, Indonesia’s main language.
After nearly 15 years in Indonesia, she shared how she learned the language and expressed mixed emotions, saying, “I am so happy today but also sad.”
She ended her statement by singing parts of Indonesia’s national anthem, making a heart shape with her hands, and saying goodbye.
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A Reflection of Resilience and Hope
What did Mary Jane Veloso do to deserve such a harsh sentence? The story of Mary Jane underscores the vulnerability of OFWs caught in exploitative schemes. Well, what happened to her is not just a legal battle but a testament to a mother’s resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Mary Jane Veloso will arrive in Manila on December 18, 2024. DFA Undersecretary Tess Lazaro announced that Veloso will depart Jakarta at 12:50 AM and arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at approximately 6:00 AM.
The Malacañang described Veloso’s homecoming as “the fruit of more than a decade of persistent discussions, consultations, and diplomacy.”
“Duty-bound as we are to honor the conditions for her transfer to Philippine jurisdiction, we are truly elated to welcome Mary Jane back to her homeland and family, from whom she has been distracted for too long,” said Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
Mary Jane Veloso’s return marks a significant milestone that has highlighted the challenges faced by overseas Filipino workers and the power of persistent diplomatic efforts. The good news is that she will not face any punishment since the Philippines does not implement the death penalty.
To learn more about her case and the grant for pardon many have sought for her, read the full details below!
How has Mary Jane Veloso’s case impacted the global fight against human trafficking?
Mary Jane’s case has become a global symbol of the struggles faced by victims of human trafficking. Her experience highlights how poverty and desperation can lead individuals to unknowingly become pawns in illegal activities.
Advocacy groups, including Migrante International, have used her story to raise awareness about the dangers of recruitment scams and the need for stronger laws to protect vulnerable workers. The story of Mary Jane serves as a reminder for governments to provide robust legal and social support for OFWs and victims of trafficking.
What lessons can aspiring OFWs learn from Mary Jane Veloso’s ordeal?
Aspiring OFWs should take precautions to avoid falling victim to schemes similar to what happened to Mary Jane Veloso. Verify job offers with official agencies, stay cautious with personal belongings you entrust to others, and understand the legal implications of carrying items across international borders.
Veloso’s case highlights how staying diligent and informed can prevent recruiters from exploiting you. Her story is a critical case study for OFWs and families striving for a better future.
Why is grant to pardon considered crucial in Mary Jane Veloso’s return to the Philippines?
Advocates believe that granting pardon to Veloso acknowledges her as a victim rather than a perpetrator, given the circumstances surrounding her recruitment and arrest. That said, Duterte on Mary Jane Veloso emphasized the complexity of her case, advocating for compassion for those trapped by trafficking.
With her recruiters convicted of large-scale illegal recruitment, the Mary Jane Veloso summary becomes a strong argument for grant to pardon based on humanitarian grounds. Her freedom would symbolize justice for other OFWs ensnared in similar situations.
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