JAKARTA, Indonesia — On Friday, Indonesia and the Philippines formalized an agreement concerning the repatriation of a Filipino woman on death row, who narrowly escaped execution by firing squad in 2015. This move comes as part of the new administration led by President Prabowo Subianto, which aims to strengthen diplomatic relationships with neighboring countries.
Under this newly signed agreement, Mary Jane Veloso is expected to return to the Philippines by the end of the month, as explained by Raul Vasquez, the Undersecretary at the Philippines’ Department of Justice. This announcement was made during a press conference held in tandem with Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra.
“This is a fitting gesture that highlights the positive relations shared between our two nations,” stated Vasquez. He emphasized the importance of respecting the Indonesian judicial process regarding her original sentence but also reassured that there would be efforts to allow Veloso to serve her sentence back home.
While no formal treaty exists between the two countries, they both participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The transfer of prisoners within the ASEAN region follows the guidelines set by the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, according to Vasquez.
“In line with mutual respect and cooperation among United Nations member states, there is a common desire to uphold and protect human rights for all citizens,” he added after the ceremonial signing in Jakarta.
Minister Mahendra mentioned that a collaborative team from both nations will be formed to oversee Veloso’s return.
“We are optimistic that the repatriation can be completed before Christmas, making it a more joyful holiday for everyone involved,” Vasquez expressed, highlighting the significance for Veloso’s family who has longed to reunite with her.
Veloso’s troubles began in 2010 when she was detained at Yogyakarta’s international airport with 2.6 kilograms (5.7 pounds) of heroin concealed in her luggage. After a conviction, she was sentenced to death.
In 2015, Indonesia relocated Veloso to an island prison where she was scheduled for execution alongside eight other drug offenders, despite widespread international protests from countries including Australia and Brazil. Ultimately, the death sentences for the others were carried out, while Veloso was granted a temporary reprieve pending further inquiry from the Philippines.
Following her repatriation, Mahendra affirmed that the management of Veloso’s case would be under the jurisdiction of the Philippine government. Should the Philippines decide to grant her clemency or a pardon, that authority lies solely with them, which Indonesia will respect, he stated. As the largest Roman Catholic nation in Asia, the Philippines has abolished the death penalty.
Mahendra characterized the transfer as a “significant milestone” in relations between Indonesia and the Philippines, aligning with Subianto’s foreign policy of fostering good-neighborly ties.
Additionally, Mahendra revealed that Indonesia had provisionally agreed to facilitate the return of five Australian nationals and one French national who had been convicted for drug offenses, all of whom have spent nearly two decades in Indonesian prisons following their arrests in 2005 for attempting to smuggle over 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) of heroin from Bali.
