Mary Jane Veloso returning to the Philippines, says Marcos

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 11:10 a.m.) — After 14 years of incarceration in Indonesia, Filipina domestic worker Mary Jane Veloso is coming home. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made the announcement on Wednesday, November 20. 

Veloso's homecoming was long and hard-fought. She was detained during the time of late president Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III in 2010 for drug trafficking. 

Aquino famously made a last minute plea to Indonesia in 2015 to save Veloso's life after her illegal recruiter surrendered to Philippine authorities. 

Veloso was slated to face execution by firing squad in the early hours of April 29, 2015. The reprieve came so close to the scheduled time that some print media outlets erroneously reported her death.

Under the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte, there are conflicting reports as to how he managed diplomatic talks in regards to Veloso.  

Indonesia claimed that Duterte, known for his unforgiving anti-drug stance, had given them the go-ahead to execute Veloso. Duterte, however, denied this, stating that he had asked for clemency.

However, Duterte also said he would respect the decision of the Indonesian government, whatever it decided.

Under Marcos' term, talks for Veloso's transfer back to the Philippines persisted. During a meeting between Marcos and former Indonesian president Joko Widodo in January, the latter promised that they are re-examining her case. 

Veloso's transfer to the Philippines came following the exit of former Indonesian president Joko Widodo, and under the government of President Prabowo Subianto.

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government for their goodwill. This outcome is a reflection of the depth our nation’s partnership with Indonesia—united in a shared commitment to justice and compassion," Marcos said. 

"We look forward to welcoming Mary Jane home," Marcos said. 

There has been a 14-year campaign to bring Veloso home, whose detainment has stretched across three administrations. 

"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," Marcos said. 

Marcos described Veloso as a victim of her circumstances.

"Mary Jane’s story resonates with many: a mother trapped by the grip of poverty, who made one desperate choice that altered the course of her life," Marcos said. 

The Indonesian government has been setting policies that would allow Veloso and other similar cases to go home.