After 14 years of imprisonment in Indonesia, Mary Jane Veloso’s anticipated return to the Philippines has sparked a surge of public support and calls for clemency, with church leaders and migrant advocacy groups leading the charge.
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), which has long advocated for Veloso’s release, hailed the development as a symbol of hope and justice.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18 NIV), the council said in a statement on Nov. 21.
The NCCP joined Veloso’s parents, Celia and Cesar, and her two sons in celebrating the long-awaited news, calling it “a cause for rejoicing especially as we approach the advent season.”
Just weeks ago, a four-member NCCP delegation visited Veloso in prison in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with support from the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta, the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), and the group Beranda Migran.
“All of us prayed for her and assured her that we would continue to advocate for her freedom,” the NCCP said in a statement.
The council also extended its gratitude to the Philippine and Indonesian governments for their ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“This is why we are very thankful to the Philippine and Indonesian Governments for the diplomatic efforts and arrangements they are pursuing for the ‘transfer of custody’ of Mary Jane,” the statement added.
The NCCP urged authorities to expedite the prosecution of Veloso’s alleged recruiters, while calling for stronger measures against human trafficking syndicates that exploit vulnerable Filipinos.
“In the long run, the best way to prevent another case like that of Mary Jane is to provide adequate jobs here in the country. Jobs that can give decent lives for all,” the NCCP emphasized.
On Nov. 23, Migrante International and the Task Force to Save Mary Jane held a candle-lighting ceremony at the St. Anthony de Padua Shrine in Manila.
The event followed an evening Mass where the presiding Franciscan priest expressed support for Veloso, urging the faithful to help trafficked workers return to their families.
During the ceremony, the groups launched a National Call for Prayer Action and Solidarity Vigils, encouraging Filipino communities and migrants worldwide to hold similar activities.
A global petition was also announced, calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant Veloso clemency on humanitarian grounds.
“We also lift in prayer the many other ‘Mary Janes’—Filipinos who are suffering and languishing in jails across the globe,” the NCCP said. “We likewise join the call to Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to grant Mary Jane immediate clemency upon her return. This is our heartfelt prayer.”
