Manila, Philippines - Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino woman who spent nearly 15 years on death row in Indonesia, was reunited with her family on Wednesday after arriving in Manila. She was immediately transferred to a women's prison where she now awaits a presidential pardon.
Veloso, 39, was arrested and sentenced to death in 2010 after heroin was found concealed in her suitcase. Her case sparked widespread outrage in the Philippines.
Under a repatriation agreement, Indonesia transferred Veloso's custody to the Philippines. While technically still serving a life sentence, her future now rests with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has the authority to grant clemency.
Veloso expressed hope for a pardon, stating, "I hope our president will give me clemency so I can go back to my family. I had been in jail in Indonesia for 15 years over something I did not commit."
President Marcos thanked Indonesia for the transfer but did not comment on a possible pardon.
The agreement includes a "reciprocity" clause, potentially paving the way for Indonesia to request the transfer of Gregor Johann Haas, an Australian detained in the Philippines on drug charges.
Veloso's case highlighted the plight of many Filipinos who work abroad to escape poverty. Her release was celebrated as a "miracle" by her family and supporters.
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