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MANILA: A Filipina spared from execution on drug trafficking charges in Indonesia in 2015 will be transferred to the Philippines after years of negotiations between the two Southeast Asian neighbours, president Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Wednesday.
“After over a decade of diplomacy and consultations with the Indonesian government, we managed to delay her execution long enough to reach an agreement to finally bring her back to the Philippines,” Marcos said in a statement.
Mary Jane Veloso, a domestic helper and mother of two, was arrested in Jakarta for carrying 2.6kg of heroin hidden in her suitcase in 2010.
She was spared from firing squad at the last minute in 2015 after Philippine officials asked then Indonesian president Joko Widodo to allow her to testify against members of a human and drug-smuggling ring.
The execution of eight other drug convicts went ahead, and at the time Widodo described Veloso’s reprieve as a postponement. Widodo’s term as president ended last month.
“This outcome is a reflection of the depth of our nation’s partnership with Indonesia-united in a shared commitment to justice and compassion,” Marcos said. “We look forward to welcoming Mary Jane home.”