Overview

• Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia, narrowly escaped execution in 2015 and has now been repatriated to the Philippines after 14 years in prison.
• Veloso maintains she was tricked by a human trafficking syndicate into carrying a suitcase containing heroin, a claim that has drawn widespread public and diplomatic support over the years.
• Her transfer to the Philippines was facilitated by a recent prisoner transfer agreement between Indonesia and the Philippines, removing the possibility of her execution.
• Veloso has appealed to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for clemency, with her family and supporters rallying to advocate for her release.
• Her case has highlighted the vulnerabilities of overseas Filipino workers and the need for stronger protections against human trafficking and exploitation.