Mary Jane Veloso finally back home in Nueva Ecija

The homecoming for the former overseas Filipino worker in the town of General Mamerto Natividad, Nueva Ecija, followed a whirlwind 24 hours of freedom after 16 years in prison. Veloso, now 41, walked out of the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City following an executive clemency order signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on September 24.

Executive Pardon and Release from the Correctional Institution for Women

Veloso’s release materialized hours after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. confirmed on Friday, September 25, that he had signed the pardon document the previous day. Speaking on the sidelines of his visit to Eastern Visayas, Marcos stated, Pinirmahan ko na ‘yung pardon niya kahapon (I signed her pardon yesterday). Malacañang had indicated earlier in the week that the administration was evaluating her case for full executive clemency on humanitarian grounds.

The absolute pardon fully restores Veloso’s civil and political rights, completely removing any legal barriers to her freedom. Legal counsel Edre Olalia and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers welcomed the decision, with Olalia stating in a release that humanity wins and the freedom serves as a welcome respite for the public and a victory for justice.

A Decade-Long Legal Battle and Diplomatic Transfer

Veloso’s detention began on April 25, 2010, when authorities arrested her at Adisutjipto International Airport in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, after discovering 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage. She maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings, asserting that illegal recruiters tricked her into carrying the suitcase without her knowledge. An Indonesian district court sentenced her to death later that year on October 11, 2010.

Her execution faced a last-minute stay in April 2015 after the Philippine government under then-President Benigno Aquino III asked Indonesian authorities to spare her life so she could testify against her recruiters.

Emotional Reunion with Parents and Sons

Early Saturday morning, Veloso’s parents, Caesar and Celia Veloso, along with her sons Mark Daniel and Mark Darren, traveled from Nueva Ecija to the Mandaluyong facility to greet her. Video footage captured the emotional meeting at the CIW gate, where Veloso embraced her mother in the transport coaster.

Ako rin, hindi makapaniwala. Hindi ako makapaniwala. Hindi ako makapaniwala. Pero mabait ang Lord.

Mary Jane Veloso, via GMA Network

Reflecting on the emotional exchange inside the vehicle, her mother Celia expressed disbelief that her daughter was finally beside her. The family later attended a morning Mass at the Siena College Chapel in Quezon City. During a subsequent press conference, Veloso expressed her gratitude to God, reciting a poem titled Pilipino Ako, Pilipino Ang Wika Ko that she had prepared with fellow detainees, and singing the OPM song Maghintay Ka Lamang alongside her two sons.

Calls for Migrant Worker Protection and Accountability

While local officials and advocates celebrated the homecoming, public figures emphasized that the case highlights ongoing vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers. Senator Francis Pangilinan noted that the absolute pardon grants Veloso a chance to rebuild her life after nearly 16 years of detention while demanding accountability for syndicates.

Habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang kalayaan ni Mary Jane, tuloy-tuloy nating singilin ang mga illegal recruiter, human trafficker at drug syndicate na sinasamantala ang pangarap at kahinaan ng ating mga kababayang OFW, Pangilinan said in a statement.

Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali also welcomed the development, noting that the pardon opens a new chapter after an arduous legal process. Following the morning activities in Quezon City, Veloso arrived in her home province by Saturday afternoon to a surprise celebration, bringing an end to her long journey back to Nueva Ecija.