THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday vowed to provide aid to jailed overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso, who is reportedly suffering from health woes.
In a brief statement, DMW Secretary Susan Ople said they will closely coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure that Veloso, who has been convicted of drug trafficking in 2010, will be provided the necessary assistance.
“The DMW will coordinate closely with the DFA and Philippine Embassy in Jakarta to ensure that she gets proper medical attention,” said Ople.
She said she has already tasked DMW Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac to handle the coordination efforts.
“I have given instructions to Usec Hans Cacdac, head of our welfare cluster, to discuss this matter with DFA,” said Ople.
Back in 2010, Veloso was caught smuggling heroin on her arrival in Indonesia and was sentenced to death by firing squad.
Veloso was given temporary reprieve in 2015 but has remained imprisoned in Wonosari ever since.
Recently, Veloso’s family renewed calls for her release, saying she has been suffering from mounting health problems while in jail.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) – Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) yesterday joined renewed calls for the Indonesian government to pardon Veloso, who is reportedly suffering from health woes.
In a phone interview, CBCP-ECMI Vice Chairman Bishop Ruperto Santos said they are one with the calls for the release of Veloso, who was sentenced to death for smuggling illegal drugs to Indonesia in 2010 but was given temporary reprieve in 2015.
“Let us pray hard that, in the name of mercy, the Indonesian government would grant clemency to Mary Jane Veloso,” said Santos.
“May our almighty God touch the hearts of those people and decide what is beneficial and do what is best for MJ,” he added.
The prelate said her current health condition gives Indonesia more reason to finally free Veloso from prison.
“She has suffered long enough with her imprisonment. And with her health problem, she should be much attended to, medical care and charitable measures given,” said Santos.
In addition, he said they are including in their prayers the good health of Veloso.
