Mary Jane Veloso, who narrowly escaped execution in Indonesia in 2015 for drug trafficking, has returned to the Philippines after more than a decade behind bars. The 39-year-old, a former domestic helper and mother of two, arrived in Manila early Wednesday under tight security and was immediately transferred to a women’s prison facility.
Veloso was arrested in 2010 in Yogyakarta after authorities discovered 2.6 kilograms of heroin hidden in her suitcase. She has consistently claimed she was an unwitting drug mule. Convicted and sentenced to death, Veloso was spared at the last minute, and her case became a focus of negotiations between the Philippines and Indonesia.
Her emotional return was marked by a reunion with her two sons, who rushed to embrace her inside the prison compound. Speaking to reporters, Veloso expressed gratitude and hope for clemency. “I’m so happy to be home. I appeal to the president to grant me clemency,” she said.
The transfer was part of an agreement between the two nations, allowing Veloso to serve her sentence in the Philippines while respecting the Indonesian court’s ruling. Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said clemency is being considered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while Indonesian authorities have stated they would honor any decision made by the Philippines.
Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo expressed gratitude to Indonesia for facilitating Veloso’s return, describing it as a “momentous day” and acknowledging the timing ahead of the Christmas season.
