The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, Nov. 20, lauded the decision of Indonesia to return to the Philippines Mary Jane Veloso, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was arrested almost 14 years ago and sentenced to death by firing squad in April 2015.
“Mabuhay at maraming salamat, Indonesia (Long live and many thanks, Indonesia)!” declared the DOJ in a statement.
“After a series of diplomatic dialogues and stronger ties with our international partners, especially Indonesia, the Philippine government was able to delay the imposition of the death sentence long enough to reach a more compassionate decision in our kababayan’s favor,” the DOJ said.
President Marcos had earlier announced that Veloso will be returning to the Philippines.
The DOJ hailed the efforts made by President Marcos “in saving our kababayan Mary Jane Veloso from the Indonesian deathrow over charges of drug trafficking.”
“The DOJ stands united with PBBM (Marcos) in showing the world once more that nobody gets left out under the Bagong Pilipinas administration, where every life is safeguarded and respected regardless of status, as evidenced with the expected release of our kababayan Mary Jane Veloso with the blessing of the Indonesian government,’ it stated.