Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino migrant worker, spent over a decade on death row in Indonesia for drug trafficking charges and is finally returning to the Philippines. This decision, made by the Indonesian government, marks a turning point in her long struggle for justice.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude for Veloso’s return, stating that she is a victim of human trafficking and that her case highlights the plight of countless others in similar situations.
Her return, expected in the coming weeks, has sparked a wave of relief and celebration among her supporters, family, and human rights advocates. Veloso’s parents, Celia and Caesar, who have campaigned tirelessly for her release, shared their joy from their home in Nueva Ecija, saying, ‘This is the moment we have prayed for. Mary Jane can finally come home.’
A Life Changed by Human Trafficking
Mary Jane Veloso, a single mother from the Philippines, sought work abroad to support her family. In 2010, a family friend named Maria Kristina Sergio allegedly offered her a job in Malaysia as a domestic worker. Desperate for employment, Veloso accepted and travelled to Malaysia.
Upon arrival, the promised job did not materialise. Instead, Sergio reportedly convinced Veloso to travel to Indonesia with a suitcase, ostensibly to meet someone who could help her secure work.
On 25 April 2010, authorities arrested Veloso at Indonesia’s Yogyakarta Airport after finding 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage. She insisted on her innocence, claiming Maria Kristina Sergio, a recruiter, tricked her by offering a job in Malaysia. Veloso stated she had no idea the drugs were planted in her luggage.
Initially sentenced to death, Veloso’s case became a global rallying point for human rights organisations. Advocacy groups argued that she was a victim of human trafficking, exploited by a network of recruiters. Her conviction raised questions about how legal systems handle cases involving vulnerable individuals caught in trafficking schemes.
The Execution That Never Happened
Veloso’s execution was scheduled for 29 April 2015, alongside other convicted drug offenders. However, just hours before the execution, Indonesia stayed her sentence following a last-minute appeal by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. Sergio had surrendered to Philippine authorities and was being investigated for trafficking Veloso.
Aquino emphasised Veloso’s role as a key witness in prosecuting her recruiters. The testimony, considered critical, resulted in Indonesia granting her a reprieve under the ASEAN Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. This move saved her life but kept her in prison as legal proceedings continued against Sergio and other alleged traffickers.
Veloso’s emotional letter from death row resonated globally: ‘I am innocent, and I will be hanged for a sin I did not commit… I pray to God to forgive those who ruined my life. I hope no one else becomes a victim like me.’
The Family’s Struggles Back Home
Back in Nueva Ecija, Veloso’s parents have struggled to support her two sons, who were 6 and 12 years old when she was arrested. Her mother, Celia, often spoke of the family’s heartbreak, recalling Veloso’s plea to her sons: ‘Be proud of your mother because she stood for the truth.’
Over the years, the Veloso family has relied on community support and advocacy networks. Philippine NGOs and international groups have amplified her story, urging governments to take stronger stances against human trafficking.
Human Trafficking and Global Implications
Veloso’s case is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, particularly women, in Southeast Asia and beyond. According to the United Nations, over 70% of identified trafficking victims worldwide are women, many exploited through forced labour or as drug couriers under false pretences.
Countries like the Philippines and Indonesia have taken steps to combat trafficking, with stricter laws and cross-border agreements. Yet, enforcement remains inconsistent, and victims often face double punishment—first from traffickers and then from legal systems that criminalise them instead of protecting them.
Mary Jane Veloso’s return is more than a homecoming—it’s a symbol of hope and a call to action. As global conversations on human trafficking and justice continue, her story underscores the importance of addressing systemic failures that allow such tragedies to happen.
Read Philippines President Marcos’ statement here:
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