Indonesia is exploring the possibility of transferring Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina on death row, to a Philippine prison. This announcement, made on November 11 by Indonesia’s Ministry of Legal and Human Rights, marks a significant shift in Manila’s 14-year effort to bring Veloso home.
The potential transfer opens the door for the Philippines to decide on possible clemency after Veloso returns, a move seen as a diplomatic breakthrough. Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Gina Alagon Jamoralin discussed the matter with Indonesian officials during her recent visit, where bilateral cooperation and Veloso’s case were key topics.
Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction, indicated that the government is drafting policies for the transfer of foreign inmates. “This policy is being formulated in response to requests from the inmate’s home country,” Mahendra stated, according to a press release translated by the migrant advocacy group Beranda Migran and shared with Philstar.com by Veloso’s legal team.
Indonesia has outlined two possible pathways for the transfer: direct negotiations with the Philippines or establishing a broader policy for transferring prisoners. Mahendra emphasized Indonesia’s legal sovereignty, even as it considers this request. “Our nation’s sovereignty in prosecuting foreign nationals must be fully respected,” he added.
The decision aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier remarks about bringing Veloso home to serve her sentence, a move that Veloso’s legal team sees as unprecedented. “This is a novel and unprecedented option,” said Edre Olalia, Veloso’s lawyer, in an interview with Philstar.com. He highlighted that while prisoner transfers are not uncommon, unilateral transfers involving death row inmates are rare.
Veloso, who has been in detention since 2010 after being arrested at Yogyakarta Airport with 2.6 kilograms of heroin, has consistently claimed her innocence, stating she was a victim of human trafficking. In 2015, she narrowly escaped execution after an appeal by then-President Benigno Aquino III.
Olalia pointed out that her return to the Philippines could lead to potential clemency based on humanitarian reasons, her status as a trafficking victim, and the absence of a death penalty law in the Philippines. However, he urged the Philippine government to act swiftly to utilize this diplomatic opportunity, especially with the new administration under Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
