After more than a decade on death row in Indonesia, Mary Jane Veloso is finally coming home.
Sentenced to death in 2010 for drug trafficking after being caught with 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her suitcase at Yogyakarta’s Adisucipo airport, May Jane’s long battle has come to an emotional turning point. The Indonesian government has granted her transfer back to the Philippines.
Her father, Cesar Veloso, expressed gratitude for the outcome, saying the family was overjoyed by the good news, reported Rappler.
Mary Jane’s sons, Mark Daniel and Mark Darren, who had been separated from their mother for years, couldn’t be happier.
“Tuwang tuwa po sila [Mark Daniel and Mark Darren Veloso]. ‘Sa wakas, magkakaroon na kami ng mama, mag-aalaga sa amin,’” said Cesar, sharing the joy of Mary Jane’s sons.
Despite the relief, the Veloso family is still hoping the Philippine and Indonesian governments will grant her clemency. Cesar also made an emotional plea for his daughter’s safety from her former recruiter, who is allegedly linked to an international drug syndicate.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa ating mahal na Pangulo — ang iaabot ko lang po sa kanya na sana po, bigyan na po ng clemency ang aking anak. Diretso na po dito sa bahay. ‘Wag na po niyang puwersahan diyan sa kulungan…. Pero kung ikulong pa rin niya, sana po humihingi ako sa ng safety [of Mary Jane],” the report quoted Cesar as saying.
