MANILA – Convicted overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso, who has been on Indonesia’s death row since 2010, is set to return to the Philippines, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Wednesday.
“Mary Jane Veloso is coming home,” Marcos declared in a statement, emphasizing that her repatriation is the result of over a decade of diplomacy and negotiations between the Philippines and Indonesia.
Veloso’s case has long captured the attention of Filipinos, symbolizing the struggles of many OFWs. She was arrested in 2010 after Indonesian authorities discovered 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her suitcase. While she was convicted and sentenced to death, Veloso has maintained her innocence, claiming she was duped by her recruiters into transporting the drugs.
“Mary Jane’s story resonates with many: a mother trapped by the grip of poverty, who made one desperate choice that altered the course of her life,” said Marcos. “While she was held accountable under Indonesian law, she remains a victim of her circumstances.”
Veloso was granted a last-minute reprieve in April 2015 when the Philippine government informed Indonesia that her recruiters had surrendered to authorities, providing new evidence in her case. Since then, efforts to bring her back home have continued.
Marcos extended his gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government for their goodwill in allowing Veloso’s transfer to a local prison in the Philippines.
“This outcome is a reflection of the depth of our nation’s partnership with Indonesia – united in a shared commitment to justice and compassion,” Marcos said. “Thank you, Indonesia. We look forward to welcoming Mary Jane home.”
Veloso’s imminent return marks a significant milestone in the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to support OFWs facing legal challenges abroad and highlights the enduring strength of Filipino-Indonesian diplomatic ties.