MIGRANTE International yesterday called on new Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to end the suffering of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso and free her.
In a statement, Migrante said they are hoping Prabowo would grant clemency to Veloso, who has been on Indonesia’s death row for 14 years.
“Migrante International calls on Prabowo to grant clemency and freedom for Mary Jane Veloso at the soonest time possible,” said Migrante.
“It is our hope that President Prabowo will demonstrate compassion and wisdom and set an example of commitment to combating human trafficking in the region of Southeast Asia by granting Mary Jane clemency and immediate release,” it added.
The OFW group also urged President Marcos Jr. to make a strong push for Veloso’s release.
Marcos attended the inauguration ceremonies of Prabowo last Sunday.
“The Marcos Jr. administration must do away with its sluggishness and delays that are tantamount to years of denying justice for Mary Jane,” said the group.
“In future talks with Prabowo, the Philippine government must demonstrate a sense of urgency and political will to secure Mary Jane’s freedom and bring her home to her family,” added Migrante.
Veloso, a domestic helper from Nueva Ecija, was arrested in 2010 for allegedly smuggling 2.6 kilograms of heroin into Indonesia and was meted the death penalty.
Veloso was supposed to be executed by firing squad in April 2015 but was granted a last-minute reprieve through a stay of execution, but has remained in jail ever since.