OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino spoke with Nanay Celia Veloso, the mother of Mary Jane Veloso, on Tuesday to discuss developments in her daughter’s case.
Mary Jane, imprisoned in Indonesia since 2010 on drug trafficking charges, may finally reunite with her family this December.
Nanay Celia shared the encouraging update, noting that the information she received points to a possible return for Mary Jane in time for the holidays. “The thought of having her home fills me with hope,” she said, adding that her daughter remains in good spirits despite her ordeal.
Magsino welcomed the news, emphasizing the collective efforts to bring Mary Jane back to the Philippines. “This is truly heartening. When the OFW Party List visited Indonesia, I engaged directly with high-ranking officials to explore how we could assist. They assured me of President Marcos’s active involvement in the matter. His leadership and diplomacy give us reason to remain hopeful,” Rep. Magsino explained.
She also acknowledged the broader efforts that have brought Mary Jane closer to reuniting with her family. “We owe this progress to the dedication of President Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and the many individuals and organizationa advocating for Mary Jane. This is a testament to what prayers, diplomacy, and determination can achieve,” she said.
Nanay Celia expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s humane treatment of her daughter over the years. “Mary Jane calls us every month to share updates, though we cannot call her. She is the youngest of my five children and has two kids of her own, aged 22 and 16, who live with me. While I had accepted the possibility of her staying in Indonesia, this news brings renewed hope.”
Magsino assured Nanay Celia of her commitment to helping Mary Jane’s family, particularly her children. She highlighted the OFW Party List’s reintegration program, in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers, which provides livelihood support, scholarships, medical assistance, and insurance. “We will stand by Mary Jane and her family every step of the way,” Magsino affirmed.
Mary Jane Veloso’s case has become a symbol of resilience and the fight against human trafficking. Arrested in 2010 after unknowingly carrying a suitcase lined with heroin, her story sparked national and international outcry.
Advocates, including the Philippine government, have long maintained her innocence, arguing that she was a victim of an international drug syndicate.
President Marcos confirmed that Mary Jane’s return is the result of years of “long and difficult” negotiations with Indonesia. He extended his gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government for their cooperation.
Mary Jane herself expressed elation at the prospect of returning home. In a written statement read by her prison warden, she shared her gratitude for the ongoing efforts to secure her release and her plans to use the skills she learned in prison to support her family.
The Philippine government’s efforts, combined with the advocacy of the OFW Party List and international diplomacy, have brought Mary Jane one step closer to a long-awaited reunion.
The lady solon called for continued prayers and support, saying: “This progress is a testament to what determination and faith can achieve. Mary Jane’s story is one of hope and resilience, reminding us of the importance of protecting and empowering our OFWs.”
