Palace announces Mary Jane Veloso’s ‘imminent return’ to PH

Photo: Deputi Koordinator Imigrasi dan Pemasyarakatan Kemenko Kumhan Imipas

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Mary Jane Veloso, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who has been in death row in Indonesia since 2010, is confirmed to be flying home after a successful negotiation between Jakarta and Manila.

“With much appreciation and gratefulness to the Republic of Indonesia, we confirm the imminent return of our kababayan, Mary Jane Veloso,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a statement Monday evening.

Veloso’s “homecoming is the fruit of more than a decade of persistent discussions, consultations and diplomacy,” the Palace official noted.

He added that the Philippines will honor the terms of Veloso’s return, details of which have yet to be disclosed as of posting time.

“Duty-bound as we are to honor the conditions for her transfer to Philippine jurisdiction, we are truly elated to welcome Mary Jane back to her homeland and family, from whom she has been distanced for too long,” he said.

Malacañang, however, did not disclose when Veloso would return to Manila.

Veloso was arrested and sentenced to death in 2010 after the suitcase she was carrying was found to be lined with 2.6 kg. of heroin.

She was given a last-minute reprieve in April 2015 when the Philippine government informed Indonesia that her recruiters had surrendered.

Last month, the government revealed that talks are ongoing for Veloso’s possible repatriation.