By Juliane Judilla
Mary Jane Veloso celebrated Christmas with her family in the Philippines for the first time after 14 years on death row in Indonesia.
Veloso’s parents, two children, and over 21 relatives visited her at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.
According to Migrante International, the family was allowed to bring food but not gifts due to Mary Jane’s status as an inmate.
Cesar Veloso, Mary Jane’s father, shared that they brought her favorite dishes, including tinumis (a Filipino blood stew), pork sinigang, spaghetti, salad, and puto (rice cake).
Photos or videos were prohibited inside the correctional facility. The family stayed until the afternoon, according to Migrante chairperson Joanna Concepcion.
“We made up for lost time,” said Cesar in an interview with GMA News. “I couldn’t let go of my child, especially when it was time to leave.”
‘Christmas Miracle’
Mary Jane’s mother, Celia, described the gathering as a “miracle from God,” adding that they had lost hope of spending Christmas with her until the Indonesian government agreed to transfer her to the Philippines on December 18.
“We thought we would die without seeing Mary Jane again,” Celia said.
The Veloso family reiterated their appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for full clemency so that their reunion could be permanent.
“Please, have mercy on Mary Jane. She has suffered long enough,” Cesar pleaded.
Home After 14 Years
Mary Jane Veloso returned to the Philippines on December 18 after nearly 15 years in an Indonesian prison for alleged drug trafficking.
Upon her arrival, she underwent quarantine, followed by a 55-day orientation, diagnostic evaluation, and initial security classification.
Several advocacy groups welcomed her return, calling it a victory for victims of human trafficking.
The National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), instrumental in Veloso’s case, celebrated the development as a triumph for justice.
“This victory is a testament to the people’s collective strength and relentless pursuit of justice,” NUPL stated in a December 18 press release. “While we celebrate, our fight does not end here. We urge President Marcos to grant Mary Jane absolute clemency on humanitarian grounds.”
Call for Clemency
On December 23, several rights groups led by Migrante International held a signature drive at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran, urging the Marcos administration to grant absolute clemency to Veloso.
The International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) also appealed for clemency, citing Mary Jane’s suffering as a victim of trafficking.
“The grant of clemency is a presidential prerogative that can be given on humanitarian grounds without lengthy administrative reviews,” the IADL said in a statement on December 24.
“We implore President Marcos to free Mary Jane Veloso this Christmas as an act of compassion in this Season of Peace,” the group added.
A Long Road to Freedom
Mary Jane Veloso was arrested on April 25, 2010, after authorities in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, found 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage. Veloso, unaware of the drugs, said the luggage was given to her by her recruiters, identified as Julius Lacanilao and Maria Cristina Sergio.
She was sentenced to death by firing squad on October 10, 2010.
Advocacy from migrants’ groups and government officials led to a temporary reprieve in 2015 after her alleged recruiter, Cristina Sergio, surrendered to Philippine authorities.
The Philippine Supreme Court allowed Veloso to testify against her recruiters in August 2020, reinforcing her claim as a human trafficking victim.
In December 2023, President Marcos confirmed Indonesia’s agreement to transfer Veloso to the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward freedom.
Rights groups continue to press for her absolute pardon, hoping this chapter will end with justice for Veloso and her family.
