Mary Jane coming home, says BBM

After more than a decade of diplomatic efforts spanning three administrations, Mary Jane Veloso is finally "coming home," where she will continue to serve her prison term in accordance with a landmark arrangement with Jakarta, President Marcos announced on Wednesday.

-  HELEN FLORES

In 2010, Veloso was arrested and convicted for carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin concealed in a suitcase.

She was nearly executed by firing squad in 2015, but got a reprieve due to years of pleadings from the Philippine government.

"Mary Jane Veloso is coming home," Marcos said in a statement yesterday.

"After over a decade of diplomacy and consultations with the Indonesian government, we managed to delay her execution long enough to reach an agreement to finally bring her back to the Philippines," he said.

Marcos thanked Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government for their goodwill.

He said the possible return of 39-year-old Veloso to the country is a "reflection" of the depth of relations between the two nations, "united in a shared commitment to justice and compassion." "Thank you, Indonesia. We look forward to welcoming Mary Jane home," the President said. Marcos made the announcement as the Philippine and Indonesian governments are still discussing details of Veloso's transfer.

In a statement, Indonesia's chief minister for law and human rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said Veloso will be transferred in December.

No written agreement yet

At a Palace press briefing, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said there is no written agreement yet regarding Veloso's repatriation.

"If you mean there's a written agreement, there's no answer so far. But they were the ones who approached us to talk about this, so we're extremely confident it will happen," De Vega said.

"So just matter of the details I cannot give you confirmation as to when she'll be home, what are the conditions for her to be detained here except eventually the goal would be not just for her to be transferred but for the President to be able to issue clemency our President," he said.