Mary Jane Veloso was officially handed over to the Bureau of Corrections on December 18, 2024, after spending 15 years in an Indonesian prison. Her arrival marks the culmination of tireless diplomatic efforts and years of waiting by her family and supporters.
Veloso was transferred to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City, where she was greeted with a bouquet of roses.
The safe and expeditious transfer of Veloso was made possible through the concerted efforts of multiple agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Immigration, Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Bureau of Corrections.
The highlight of her arrival was an emotional reunion with her family, who had long awaited this day. Years of separation ended with tearful hugs and emotional exchanges. Her parents and children, who had tirelessly campaigned for her release, expressed gratitude for her return while acknowledging the difficult journey ahead.
Veloso’s ordeal began in 2010 when she was arrested in Indonesia for drug trafficking. She has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming she was duped into carrying illegal substances. Her story has since become a rallying point for anti-human trafficking advocates and supporters of legal reforms.
Her return to Philippine soil is more than just a personal milestone; it serves as a reminder to the power of persistence, collective advocacy, and the enduring strength of familial bonds.
