Mary Jane Veloso: Journey from Death Row to Possible Freedom in the Philippines

Mary Jane Veloso: Journey from Death Row to Possible Freedom in the Philippines

November 20, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor News

Mary Jane Veloso is a Filipino worker facing a death sentence for drug trafficking in Indonesia. She was caught with 2.6 kilos of heroin in 2010. Recently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced an agreement between the Philippines and Indonesia to transfer Veloso back to the Philippines. Marcos stated this reflects the two countries’ partnership and commitment to justice.

Eduardo de Vega, from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), mentioned that Veloso may also receive clemency upon her return. Here is a timeline of her experiences:

Job Offer:

  • January 1, 2010: Veloso returned to the Philippines after working in Dubai. She left because her employer allegedly attempted to assault her.
  • April 18, 2010: A friend offered Veloso a job as a domestic worker in Malaysia.
  • April 21, 2010: Upon arriving in Malaysia, Veloso learned the job was unavailable. Her friend sent her to Indonesia for a supposed holiday.

Arrest:

  • April 25, 2010: Veloso was arrested at the airport in Indonesia for possessing heroin.
  • April 27, 2010: Her parents received a message claiming Veloso was safe in Malaysia. They were misled about her situation.
  • May 12, 2010: Veloso informed her family about her arrest.
  • May 13, 2010: Her friend warned the family to keep silent, claiming Veloso was part of a drug syndicate.

Death Sentence:

  • October 11, 2010: Veloso was sentenced to death.
  • October 22, 2010: The Philippine Embassy filed an appeal.
  • May 31, 2011: The Indonesian Supreme Court upheld her death penalty.

Intervention by Aquino:

  • August 23, 2011: President Benigno Aquino III requested clemency, leading to a moratorium on executions by the Indonesian president.
  • October 12, 2012: The DFA confirmed that Veloso was still facing execution.

Rejection by Widodo:

  • December 30, 2014: President Joko Widodo rejected clemency.
  • March 25, 2015: The Indonesian Supreme Court denied a judicial review of her case.

Execution Island:

  • April 24, 2015: Veloso was moved to an execution site.
  • April 29, 2015: Her execution was postponed pending legal actions in the Philippines.

Marcos’s Intervention:

  • January 11, 2024: Marcos received confirmation from Widodo that Veloso’s case would be reviewed.
  • November 20, 2024: Marcos announced Manila and Jakarta agreed on Veloso’s transfer, thanking President Prabowo Subianto.

Veloso’s case highlights ongoing issues related to drug trafficking, justice, and international cooperation. The possibility of her returning home brings hope to her family and advocates for her freedom.