‘At least a hug’: Groups appeal for immediate family reunion once Mary Jane Veloso returns

MANILA, Philippines – Ahead of the highly anticipated arrival of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso in the Philippines on Wednesday, December 18, Veloso’s lawyer and advocacy groups have appealed to the Philippine government to allow for an immediate family reunion once she steps on Philippine soil.

After 14 years on Indonesian death row, Indonesia allowed for Veloso’s transfer back to the Philippines in time for Christmas. But because of a standard protocol of quarantine for transferred prisoners, her family may not be able to immediately greet her at the airport.

Veloso is set to be transferred to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City in Metro Manila.

Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano told Rappler that Veloso will have the chance to see her family, but it was not clear whether that would happen at the airport or at the CIW.

“We will continue to appeal to their good hearts — consistent with Filipino culture, tradition, and sensitivity and in the spirit of the season — to allow the family to meet her at the airport even privately for a short immediate reunion and a quick hug at least,” said Edre Olalia, one of Veloso’s private lawyers and chairperson of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL).

“The Indonesians have treated her very well and compassionately. We can do no less,” he added.

Migrante International said that Veloso’s return “marks the culmination of years of struggle and hope for justice.”

“After her grueling years in jail, it is but humane that she sees her mother, father, and children when she arrives on Philippine soil. It has been a long ordeal for her, and the least we can do is allow her to hug her family in her homeland,” said Migrante International chairperson Joanna Concepcion.

Kabataan Party made a similar appeal.

“She was only 25 years old when she fell victim to human trafficking, placing her at risk of execution and depriving her of 14 years of liberty. Biktima si Mary Jane (Mary Jane is a victim) and she deserves clemency. She deserves to be welcomed with hugs from her family and to spend the holidays with them, instead of being shipped straight to prison,” said Kabataan national spokesperson Renee Co.

Migrante and NUPL also requested that Veloso’s family, lawyers, and supporters be allowed to accompany her as she makes her way to CIW.

Quarantine

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said on Tuesday that Veloso will undergo a five-day quarantine as part of the protocol for newly committed persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Under quarantine, Veloso will be under medical observation, and will be examined for any handicap, physical, or mental illness.

“After the five-day quarantine period which will fall on December 24, Veloso’s immediate family can visit her in time for Christmas, providing a rare moment of connection during this transitional period,” the BuCor said.

After the first five days of quarantine, she will undergo a 55-day orientation for PDL rules and rights, diagnostic evaluation, and initial security classification. Then she is to be transferred to her assigned corrections facility.

Veloso’s family earlier raised concerns about how the CIW is also where her recruiter, Cristina Sergio, is detained. Veloso has an ongoing illegal recruitment case against Sergio and her other recruiters in a Nueva Ecija court, where she has yet to testify.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang assured the family that they will be separately detained “so they will not see each other.”

Indonesia has given President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discretion to grant her clemency once she arrives in the Philippines. – with reports from Lian Buan and Jairo Bolledo/Rappler.com