Jonell Rhae Manalo

After over a decade of separation from her homeland, Mary Jane Veloso, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who had been on death row for almost 15 years, returned to the Philippines on Dec. 18, marking the underscoring strengthened trust between the Philippines and Indonesia.

Photo Courtesy of Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images.

Veloso, who was arrested in Indonesia in 2010 on drug trafficking charges, had been on death row after being convicted, while her execution was postponed in 2015 following international pleas and developments in her case, including her claim of being duped into carrying drugs.

Veloso’s legal counsel also expressed optimism about her reintegration into society. They emphasized that her release represents a “new lease on life” for Veloso and her family.

Additionally, the case has renewed discussions on the plight of vulnerable OFWs and the urgent need for robust measures to protect them from exploitation.

Veloso’s situation has become a pivotal example in calls for more stringent policies and comprehensive support systems for overseas workers.

Veloso’s appeal for clemency to President Marcos focuses on her claim of being a victim of human trafficking and her unintentional involvement in drug trafficking.

Her legal counsel underscored the necessity of resolving her case to provide her with a clear path to reintegration and a new start.

Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Gina Alagon Jamoralin described the development as a “product of mutual trust and understanding” between the governments of the Philippines and Indonesia.

In her statement, Jamoralin highlighted that Veloso’s case showcased the importance of cooperation in addressing complex legal and humanitarian concerns.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo expressed gratitude to the public for their continued support.
"I also thank our fellow citizens and government employees who have consistently supported and remembered Mary Jane's situation, both during her time in Indonesia and to this day," he said in Filipino.

The Veloso family, in a brief statement, expressed their gratitude to all those who supported them through the years where Veloso was later taken to the Manila prison for women as AFP journalists on the scene witnessed.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. also commented on the significance of Veloso’s return where he noted that the case underscores the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens, particularly overseas workers.

He thanked Indonesian President Joko Widodo for the cooperation extended by the Indonesian government.