MANILA, Philippines — Following the absolute pardon signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director-General Gregorio Catapang Jr. confirmed that Mary Jane Veloso could be released from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City at any time.
This came after Veloso officially concluded nearly 16 years of detention in Indonesia and the Philippines.
In 2010, Indonesian authorities detained her after 2.6 kilograms of heroin were found hidden in the lining of her luggage.
Under Indonesia’s strict narcotics laws, Veloso was found guilty of drug trafficking and sentenced to death by firing squad.
She maintained her innocence, saying she was unaware of the illegal drugs and had been duped by her recruiters into serving as a drug courier.
Her family, including her father, Cesar Veloso, was overjoyed by the development, having waited for the President to sign her pardon and secure her freedom.
Lawyer Edre Olalia of the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, who led her defense for years, also celebrated the development.
“Finally! See you, Mary Jane!” Olalia was quoted as saying.
