Mary Jane Veloso Returns Home to Philippines After 15 Years on Indonesian Death Row
Filipino Death Row Inmate Mary jane Veloso Returns Home After 13 Years
Manila, Philippines – After more than a decade on death row in indonesia, Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina convicted of drug trafficking, has finally returned home. Veloso arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday via a commercial flight, greeted by Philippine officials and a wave of relief from her family and supporters.
The 39-year-old was sentenced to death in 2010 after being caught with 2.6 kilos of heroin at an Indonesian airport. Her case sparked international outcry, with many believing she was a victim of human trafficking.
Veloso’s execution was stayed in 2015 at the last minute, allowing her to testify against alleged members of the smuggling ring.
A New Beginning
Tears streamed down Veloso’s face as she expressed gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for facilitating her return.”This is my new life which I’ll start again in the Philippines,” Veloso said in bahasa, the main language of Indonesia, demonstrating her fluency after years of immersion.
“I have been in Indonesia for almost 15 years… I am so happy today but also sad,” she added, reflecting on the years lost and the bittersweet nature of her homecoming.
seeking Clemency
Veloso hopes to be reunited with her family and ultimately granted clemency in the Philippines.
“Gusto ko na makalaya ako… Clemency…mapawalang sala. Kasi wala akong kasalanan,” she said, pleading for her innocence.
(I want to be freed… Clemency… be found without guilt. I am innocent.)
Upon arrival,Veloso was taken to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City for a mandatory five-day quarantine. The Bureau of Corrections stated she will remain at the facility for an additional 50 days, following their established guidelines.
Malacanang, the presidential palace, has yet to comment on Veloso’s future legal status.
A Long Road to Freedom
Veloso’s lawyer, Edre Olalia, hailed her homecoming as a victory after a “long journey” marked by tireless advocacy and unwavering hope.
“Your coming back home means all the prayers, campaigns, vigils, pleadings, negotiations, and the sweat and tears have formed into a cocoon that in time will metamorphose to fly you to full freedom that you have longed for and deserve,” Olalia said.
Veloso’s case highlights the complex issues surrounding drug trafficking, human rights, and international diplomacy. Her return to the Philippines marks a important milestone, but the fight for her full freedom continues.
A Pinay’s Long Journey Home: Mary Jane Veloso Returns After 13 Years on Death Row
(Manila,Philippines) – Tears streamed down Mary Jane Veloso’s face as she stepped onto Philippine soil,returning home after 13 arduous years on death row in Indonesia. Arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday, Veloso was met with a wave of relief from her family, supporters, and Philippine officials.
The 39-year-old, who was convicted in 2010 for drug trafficking after being caught with 2.6 kilograms of heroin, became a symbol of international outcry, with many believing she was a victim of human trafficking.Her execution was stayed at the eleventh hour in 2015, allowing her to testify against those allegedly involved in the smuggling ring.
Speaking in Bahasa, the language she mastered during her years in Indonesia, Veloso expressed profound gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.for facilitating her return. “This is my new life which I’ll start again in the Philippines,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
While overjoyed to be home, Veloso remains focused on clearing her name. “Gusto ko na makalaya ako… Clemency… mapawalang sala. Kasi wala akong kasalanan,” she pleaded, translating to “I want to be freed… Clemency… be found without guilt. I am innocent.”
Upon arrival, Veloso was taken into custody at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City for a mandatory five-day quarantine, followed by a 50-day period in accordance with Bureau of Corrections guidelines. Her lawyer, Edre Olalia, hailed her return as a victory after a “long journey” marked by tireless advocacy.
“Your coming back home means all the prayers, campaigns, vigils, pleadings, negotiations, and the sweat and tears have formed into a cocoon that in time will metamorphose to fly you to full freedom that you have longed for and deserve,” Olalia said.
While Veloso’s homecoming marks a notable milestone, her fight for full freedom continues.