High-ranking officials from the Department of Justice in the Philippines are set to visit Indonesia this weekend to discuss the transfer of Mary Jane Veloso.
Veloso, a Filipina, was convicted for drug trafficking in 2010 but avoided execution.
From Friday to Sunday, the officials will be in Jakarta to finalize aspects of Veloso’s relocation to Manila, according to Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez.
He stated that the Indonesian government formally requested a face-to-face meeting. This meeting will be between Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Indonesia’s Minister for Human Rights and Corrections.
Vasquez noted the absence of the death penalty in the Philippines as a critical point for discussion. He emphasized that addressing Veloso’s sentence is one of the primary concerns. The main aim is to ensure that legal processes regarding Veloso’s transfer align with Philippine laws.
The Department of Justice has not provided a specific timetable for Veloso’s return. However, Vasquez expressed hopes for her return before Christmas. The future discussions will significantly determine the timeline for Veloso’s repatriation.
The idea of executive clemency for Veloso upon her arrival is also under consideration. Vasquez clarified that while this is a policy issue, it still requires in-depth discussions. The outcome will depend on the terms agreed upon between both countries.
Mary Jane Veloso has been on death row in Indonesia since her 2010 conviction. She was arrested with 2.6 kg of heroin in her suitcase at Yogyakarta Airport. Veloso has consistently claimed that she was a victim of human trafficking and was unaware of the drugs in her luggage.
In 2015, Veloso narrowly escaped execution when Indonesia granted a last-minute reprieve. This came after an alleged human trafficker, who Veloso claimed tricked her, surrendered to Philippine authorities. Her execution was postponed indefinitely following this development.
Since then, diplomatic and legal efforts have continued to secure Veloso’s release. Various international human rights groups and Philippine officials have advocated on her behalf. They argue that Veloso was an unwitting victim in a larger drug trafficking operation.