Veloso: Transfer to Philippines a miracle

MANILA, Philippines — Filipina death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso says that her planned transfer to the Philippines from Indonesia is a “miracle,” in her first interview since Manila and Jakarta signed an agreement last week to repatriate her.

“This is a miracle because, honestly, even now, it still feels like a dream. Every morning when I wake up, I think about my aspirations, aspirations that I never had any certainty about,” Veloso told Agence France-Presse from prison when asked about the decision.

Veloso, 39-year-old mother of two, was arrested and sentenced to death in 2010 after the suitcase she was carrying was found to be lined with 2.6 kilograms of heroin, in a case that sparked uproar in the Philippines.

Both she and her supporters claim she was duped by an international drug syndicate, and in 2015, she narrowly escaped execution after her suspected recruiter was arrested.

“That’s why I always prayed to God, ‘Lord, I only ask for one chance to go home and be with my family.’  And God answered that prayer,” Veloso said.

Last week, Indonesia’s senior law and human rights minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said a “practical arrangement” had been signed for her repatriation.

He said her transfer could happen “around Dec. 20” before Christmas and that he had heard her death penalty would be reduced to life imprisonment. 

Veloso’s case sparked outrage in the Philippines, with rallies of support and world boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao pleading for her life.

Her supporters said she was headed to work as a maid when she was arrested in Indonesia.

She now dreams of being reunited with her family after 14 years in prison, and wants to advocate for other women if released.

“What I’m certain about is my first priority: focusing on my family,” she said.

 ‘Happiness’

Veloso said she had feelings of “happiness” since hearing news of the repatriation agreement.

“After almost 15 years, that is what I am waiting for... I can go home to my country,” she said. “I need to prepare mentally to face it all, to face my family, to face everybody out there.”

Veloso’s family are due to arrive next week on Java island where she is being held, with a Christmas farewell party organized for her, an Indonesian official told AFP.

Her mother Celia Veloso, 65, called for President Marcos to grant her clemency so she can spend Christmas with her family.

“We are excited to finally be with my daughter,” Celia said. “Her two kids are pining to be with her too.”

Veloso said she had learned how to play volleyball in prison, and showed off traditional Indonesian batik clothing she had made.

She said she will gift a butterfly painting to the prison, symbolizing her transformation.

“I was once like a caterpillar – unwanted, looked down upon,” she said.

“But through this painful process I’ve grown into who I am today, a butterfly, reborn and ready to face a colorful future.”