(Photo: Novalia Annisa R. via Google Map)
Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia, is set to leave death row and return to her home country after 14 years, following a diplomatic agreement between the two nations.
Veloso’s case—marked by a last-minute reprieve, allegations of human trafficking, and over a decade of diplomatic negotiations—has captivated international attention as a story of survival and controversy.
Arrested in 2010 for carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin hidden in a suitcase, Veloso has long maintained her innocence, claiming she was duped by a recruiter who exploited her desperation to escape poverty. Ever since, has spent over a decade in prison and narrowly escaped execution in 2015 under then-Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Leaving Home for Work, Drug Mule Scheme, to Halted Execution
Born to a struggling family in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Veloso was the youngest of five. After a failed marriage and with two children to care for, she worked briefly as a domestic helper in Dubai but fled back home, citing abuse from her employer.
In 2010, she accepted a job offer from Maria Kristina Sergio, who promised employment in Malaysia. Instead, she found herself as a courier, asked to bring a suitcase to Yogyakarta—one that would later reveal hidden heroin, landing her in an Indonesian prison.
Veloso’s legal team has framed her as a victim of trafficking, claiming Sergio, who later surrendered to authorities, manipulated her into transporting drugs.
The Philippine government backed this narrative, with former President Benigno Aquino III personally appealing for leniency in 2015, securing Veloso’s stay of execution.
Veloso’s execution was postponed at the eleventh hour to allow her to testify against Sergio and others involved in an international trafficking network.
Diplomatic Journey of the Case
The case has tested the diplomatic ties between Indonesia and the Philippines. Veloso’s death sentence, handed down in 2010 under Indonesia’s uncompromising anti-narcotics laws, was initially upheld despite appeals and international outcry. Demonstrations in both countries called for clemency, spotlighting Veloso’s plight as a trafficking victim.
In a last-ditch effort in 2015, former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III persuaded Indonesia to delay Veloso’s execution so she could assist in the investigation of her recruiters. This cooperation was cited as a key reason for her transfer now, with both nations emphasizing a shared commitment to tackling transnational crimes.
President Marcos praised Indonesia’s commitment to justice and compassion, expressing gratitude to current Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
The exact timeline for Veloso’s transfer remains undecided, with her return contingent on agreements between the two governments. Indonesia has stipulated that Veloso must complete her sentence in the Philippines in accordance with Indonesian court rulings.
Indonesia’s Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers
Indonesia has a stringent death penalty policy for drug trafficking, rooted in both ideological beliefs and a hardline stance on crime deterrence.
Since the early 2000s, Indonesia has treated drug offenses as severe threats to public health and safety, and its government has justified harsh sentencing, including the death penalty, as a necessary response to what it describes as a “state of emergency” from drug abuse.
Official statistics have claimed that drug-related deaths impact dozens daily, although these figures have varied and have often been criticized for lacking transparency.
Executions in Indonesia are carried out by firing squad, a method that emphasizes the state’s resolve against drug trafficking.
In 2015, for example — the same year Veloso was scheduled to be executed — Indonesia executed eight individuals, including several foreign nationals, to demonstrate its firm anti-narcotics stance, despite international criticism and appeals.
Public support for these measures tends to be strong, as many opinion leaders echo government claims that the death penalty deters drug-related crime. However, research—including studies from international bodies—casts doubt on the deterrence effect of capital punishment, showing no clear link between the death penalty and a decrease in drug-related offenses.
Nevertheless, Indonesia’s leaders continue to view it as an essential tool in the country’s anti-drug strategy.
Veloso’s Return Home
Veloso’s return to the Philippines marks a bittersweet victory for her family, who have expressed relief mixed with apprehension over potential retaliation from drug syndicates.
Philippine legal experts speculate that, given the country’s abolition of capital punishment, Veloso may ultimately be granted clemency.
