Philippine president pardons drug convict Mary Jane Veloso

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1. 53m ago

   Philippine President Pardons Drug Convict Mary Jane Veloso

   Mary Jane Veloso is free after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted her an absolute pardon. Veloso spent years in detention following her arrest and death sentence for drug smuggling in Indonesia, before her repatriation to the Philippines. Following her release from the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City, she reunited with her family. The Department of Migrant Workers announced that Veloso will receive full integration assistance, including a comprehensive reintegration program with livelihood and counseling support from the government.

   Why it matters

   Veloso's case originated from an arrest that led to a death row sentence in Indonesia, where she was previously spared execution before being transferred back to her home country. Her release and absolute pardon mark the end of a long diplomatic and legal effort involving her detention. The Indonesian government stated that it respects the decision made by the Philippines to grant the pardon.

   What is confirmed

   • Mary Jane Veloso was granted an absolute pardon by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
   • Veloso was released from the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.
   • The Department of Migrant Workers stated that Veloso will receive full integration assistance, livelihood, and counseling support.
   • The Indonesian government stated that it respects the Philippines' decision to pardon Veloso.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation and delivery of the announced livelihood and counseling support by the Department of Migrant Workers.
   • Any further diplomatic statements or bilateral developments between the Philippines and Indonesia regarding Veloso's case.
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. nytimes.com — She Was Spared the Executioner’s Bullet. Soon She’ll Be Free From Prison, Too.
   2. Reuters — Philippine president pardons drug convict Mary Jane Veloso
   3. Philstar.com — After years in detention, Mary Jane Veloso finally free after Marcos pardon
   4. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Bali Nine drug mule released from jail after being spared death row
   5. ABS-CBN — After 17 years, Mary Jane Veloso reunites with her family
   6. Rappler — Rappler Talk: Mary Jane Veloso, a free woman
   7. en.tempo.co — Mary Jane Veloso Is Free: Who She Is and What Her Pardon Means for Others
   8. en.tempo.co — Indonesia Respects Philippines' Decision to Pardon Mary Jane
   9. www.pna.gov.ph — Full integration aid awaits Veloso after presidential pardon
   10. en.tempo.co — Indonesia Advances to Pokemon Unite Final at 2026 Asian Games
   11. en.tempo.co — Indonesia Announces Bid for UN Security Council Seat in 2029-2030
   12. explained.ph — Mary Jane Veloso released after Pres. Marcos grants absolute pardon
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