The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed gratitude to the governments of the Philippines and Indonesia for their steadfast efforts in facilitating Mary Jane Veloso’s return to the Philippines.
"Allow me to thank the Government of Indonesia for its sincere and decisive action which allowed Mary Jane Veloso to be home before Christmas," said Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in an official statement.
"We thank the DOJ which worked closely with the DFA and with our then Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia, Miss Gina Jamoralin, and her team, during the planning stage of Mary Jane’s repatriation," Manalo added.
Manalo also extended his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approving the DFA's recommendation and for his steadfast guidance in ensuring the welfare of Veloso.
For the DFA, Veloso’s successful return is a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries, calling it "a mark of trust and friendship between our two nations."
"We would, therefore, like to take this moment to reiterate our sincerest thanks to the Indonesian government for this humanitarian action. Their generosity has made this momentous day of Ms. Veloso’s return to the Philippines, possible," Manalo emphasized.
Manalo also thanked Filipinos and all government agencies for their guidance and concern regarding Mary Jane Veloso's situation.
Veloso, escorted by government officials from the Philippines, arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 5:50 a.m. today.
She was warmly welcomed by her family and supporters after spending 14 years on death row and in prison in Indonesia.
At around 7:03 a.m., Veloso was officially transferred to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong. Her family followed her there, marking an emotional reunion.
