President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Wednesday that Mary Jane Veloso, a convicted overseas Filipino worker (OFW), is finally set to return to the Philippines after more than a decade of negotiations and appeals to the Indonesian government.
Veloso was arrested in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in 2010 after authorities discovered over 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her suitcase. She was subsequently sentenced to death on drug trafficking charges.
"After over a decade of diplomacy and consultation with the Indonesian government, we managed to delay her execution long enough to reach an agreement to finally bring her back to the Philippines," President Marcos said in a statement.
Marcos remarked that Veloso's story reflects the struggles of many, as she is a mother caught in the clutches of poverty who made a desperate choice that forever changed the trajectory of her life.
"While she was held accountable under Indonesian law, she remains a victim of her circumstances," said Marcos.
Furthermore, Marcos expressed his deep gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government for their generosity and goodwill.
He stated that this outcome reflects the depth of the partnership between the Philippines and Indonesia, united by a shared commitment to justice and compassion.
"Thank you, Indonesia. We look forward to welcoming Mary Jane home," Marcos said in closing.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier revealed that the two nations are in discussions about the potential transfer of Veloso to a facility in the Philippines.
