Screengrab from PTV

After nearly 15 years of incarceration in an Indonesian prison, Mary Jane Veloso is finally back on Philippine soil. On Wednesday morning, December 18, her children welcomed her with tight, emotional hugs inside the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City — a moment they’ve been waiting for far too long.

Touchdown in Manila

Veloso arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 at 5:51 a.m. aboard Cebu Pacific flight 5J 760, which departed Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport just after midnight. The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) described her arrival as “the end of a harrowing chapter of Veloso’s life,” one that began in 2010 when she was sentenced to death for alleged drug trafficking.

But while her homecoming is a relief, Mary Jane’s journey isn’t quite over yet. Upon arrival, she was immediately transferred to the CIW’s Reception and Diagnostic Center, where she will undergo a mandatory 5-day quarantine, followed by a 55-day evaluation process. BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. made it clear that Veloso was treated with dignity during her flight, noting that she was not handcuffed.

“Such instruments must not be applied for any longer time than is strictly necessary,” Catapang explained, citing international rules on the humane treatment of prisoners.

A Mother’s Plea for Clemency

Mary Jane’s return wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative efforts of multiple government agencies, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Indonesian authorities. But her family’s fight isn’t over.

At the airport, her mother, Celia Veloso, once again appealed to President Marcos to grant clemency and pardon for her daughter.
“Tama na po 'yung magfi-fifteen years na siya sa kulungan na wala naman siyang kasalanan,” Celia said. “Alam naman na biktima lang siya. Sana naman ibigay na ang clemency at pardon para makapiling na namin si Mary Jane.”*

(Translation: Fifteen years in prison is enough for someone innocent. It’s clear that she was just a victim. I hope clemency and pardon will be given so we can finally be with Mary Jane.)

Her words highlight the lingering pain of a mother who has stood by her daughter’s innocence since day one.

The Story So Far

Mary Jane’s nightmare began in 2010 when Indonesian authorities found 2.6 kilograms of heroin hidden in her suitcase. She maintained her innocence, claiming she was tricked by her recruiters into unknowingly carrying the drugs. In 2015, her execution was postponed at the very last minute after her alleged recruiter surrendered to authorities. The Philippine government back then appealed for more time for Mary Jane, citing the need to have her testimony for the case against her alleged recruiter.

A Glimmer of Hope

Mary Jane expressed her deep gratitude to President Marcos, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and everyone who worked to bring her home. Her return, though bittersweet, is a beacon of hope for countless families still fighting for justice for their loved ones.

While she remains under custody, one thing is certain: this Christmas, Mary Jane is finally home. And for her family, especially her children, that’s more than enough to celebrate.