Mary Jane Veloso to Return to Philippines

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina drug convict on death row in Indonesia, will be repatriated to the Philippines after over a decade of negotiations. Veloso was arrested in 2010 for smuggling 2.6 kg of heroin and was spared execution in 2015 after Philippine officials intervened. The agreement for her transfer reflects the strong diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Indonesia, with Marcos expressing gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. While details of the transfer remain unclear, it is expected to prevent Veloso from facing execution, as the Philippines has abolished the death penalty. Veloso's case has generated significant public support in the Philippines, with claims of her innocence as she maintains she was an unwitting drug mule. The timeline for her return is not yet specified, as she will remain under Indonesian supervision until formal orders for her transfer are issued.