Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has once again appealed to Indonesia to grant clemency to Mary Jane Veloso, who has been convicted of drug trafficking. Manalo made this request during a meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the Ministerial Meeting of the 7th Philippines-Indonesia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC).
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that Manalo discussed Veloso’s case with Retno. In the meantime, the Philippine government continues to provide legal, consular, and welfare assistance to Miss Veloso. DFA spokesman Ma. Teresita Daza stated that they are working closely with the Department of Justice on the case filed by Veloso against her perpetrators.
Veloso, along with eight other foreigners, was scheduled for execution by firing squad in April 2015. However, she received a last-minute reprieve to allow her to testify against a suspected human trafficking perpetrator. Veloso has consistently maintained that she was tricked by an international human trafficking and drug gang into transporting 2.6 kilograms of heroin from Malaysia to Indonesia five years ago.
The JCBC serves as the primary dialogue mechanism between the Philippines and Indonesia. Its purpose is to review the progress of mutual collaboration initiatives, exchange views on issues of mutual interest, and consider plans for enhancing cooperation. During the meeting, Manalo and Retno evaluated the implementation of the bilateral priorities outlined in the Philippines-Indonesia Plan of Action 2022-2027, which was signed during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Indonesia in September 2022.
The Plan of Action encompasses various areas of cooperation between the two countries, including political and security matters, border issues, regional and global concerns, economic collaboration, sociocultural and people-to-people exchanges, as well as judicial and consular affairs.
The case of Mary Jane Veloso has garnered international attention and has become a symbol of the fight against human trafficking and drug-related crimes. The Philippines’ continued appeal for clemency reflects its commitment to ensuring justice and protecting the rights of its citizens abroad.
It is important to note that each country has its own legal system and customs, which may influence the outcome of cases involving foreign nationals. The Philippines’ request for clemency is based on its belief in Veloso’s innocence and the need to address the larger issue of human trafficking.
The collaboration between the Philippines and Indonesia through the JCBC highlights the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving such cases. By engaging in dialogue and cooperation, both countries can work towards a fair and just resolution for Veloso and other similar cases in the future.
In conclusion, the Philippines’ appeal for clemency for Mary Jane Veloso demonstrates its commitment to protect the rights of its citizens abroad and address the issue of human trafficking. The ongoing collaboration between the Philippines and Indonesia through the JCBC serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation, allowing both countries to work towards a fair resolution. The international community continues to monitor the developments in Veloso’s case, hopeful for a just outcome.
Source: The Manila Times
