Indonesia mulls Mary Jane Veloso’s transfer to Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The Indonesian government is exploring the possibility of transferring Mary Jane Veloso’s custody to the Philippines 14 years after she was found guilty of drug trafficking charges.

However, if such a request by the Philippines is granted, Indonesia said the Philippines is expected to respect their laws and implement Veloso’s sentence.

Jakarta’s legal and human rights ministry announced on Nov. 11 that a transfer of custody is being considered for the Filipina death row inmate.

The possible breakthrough was announced after Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Gina Alagon Jamoralin’s official visit to Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Correction on Monday.

The report said bilateral cooperation matters were discussed, including the status of Veloso, who has been on death row since 2014.

Indonesian Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra was quoted as saying that the coordinating ministry is now drafting policies for transferring foreign prisoners, including Veloso, “in line with requests from the inmate’s home country.”

The Indonesian government is reportedly considering two mechanisms to implement the transfer: either through direct negotiations between Jakarta and Manila or by crafting an official Indonesian policy on the transfer of prisoners.

“If the request is granted, Mary Jane Veloso will continue to serve her remaining sentence in the Philippines, subject to the conditions determined by the Indonesian court’s ruling,” the Indonesian coordinating ministry said in its press release.

“In accordance with this policy, the Philippines is also expected to recognize this decision and enforce the sentence as determined in Indonesia,” it added.