Indonesia, Philippines agree on repatriation of Filipina drug convict

Indonesia and the Philippines have formalized an agreement for the repatriation of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina drug convict who has spent 14 years on death row in Indonesia.

Signed in Jakarta on Friday by Indonesia’s Senior Minister for Law and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra and Philippine Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, the deal ensures Veloso’s return home before the end of the year.

Yusril confirmed the timeline, stating, “President Prabowo Subianto has asked for this case to be resolved before Christmas. We hope the transfer will happen soon.”He further explained, “The obligation to guide prisoner Mary Jane Veloso will become the responsibility of the Philippine government once she is transferred.”

Veloso, a domestic worker and mother of two, was arrested in 2010 for smuggling 2.6 kilograms of heroin into Indonesia. While sentenced to death under Indonesia’s strict drug laws, her execution was postponed in 2015 to allow her to testify against members of a drug trafficking syndicate. Veloso has always maintained her innocence, claiming, “I was deceived into carrying a suitcase filled with heroin by someone I trusted.”

Raul Vasquez expressed the Philippines’ appreciation for Indonesia’s decision, stating, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Indonesian government. We respect the court’s decision and will ensure she serves her sentence in accordance with Philippine laws.” He added, “This agreement reflects mutual respect and understanding between our two nations.”

Yusril also addressed the possibility of clemency once Veloso returns to the Philippines. “We respect any decision by the Philippine government after her transfer, including clemency. That is entirely within their rights,” he said. Observers believe Manila will approach this carefully, releasing Veloso only after a respectful period to avoid questioning the Indonesian court’s judgment.

The agreement represents broader diplomatic cooperation. Yusril highlighted its reciprocal nature, noting, “The Philippines has agreed to consider any future requests for repatriation of Indonesian nationals.”

The deal also aligns with a more flexible approach by Prabowo’s administration, which is in talks to repatriate Australian nationals from the “Bali Nine” drug trafficking ring. “We are reviewing similar cases to ensure justice while maintaining diplomatic harmony,” Yusril remarked.

Meanwhile, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the agreement, saying, “This is a victory for justice and a testament to the strong partnership between the Philippines and Indonesia. Mary Jane Veloso will finally come home after years of uncertainty.”

Veloso’s family, who have campaigned tirelessly for her release, also expressed their relief. Her mother, Celia Veloso, said, “This is the Christmas gift we’ve been praying for. We never stopped believing in Mary Jane’s innocence and her chance to come home.”

This landmark decision underscores a shift in Indonesia’s handling of foreign drug convicts and marks a diplomatic milestone between the two nations.