Filipino drug convict on death row in Indonesia, Mary Jane Veloso, poses for a photograph at Yogyakarta Women's Correctional Institution Class IIB in Wonosari, Yogyakarta on December 13, 2024. -She says her planned transfer was a "miracle", in her first interview since Manila and Jakarta signed an agreement last week to repatriate her. Devi Rahman, AFP

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said Tuesday the Philippine government was celebrating the upcoming return of Filipina death row convict Mary Jane Veloso to Manila after 14 years imprisonment in an Indonesian jail for drug trafficking.

Veloso is set to be brought home to the Philippines early Wednesday morning after more than a decade of “persistent discussions, consultations and diplomacy” between Manila and Jakarta.

“We are celebrating already,” the President told reporters following the inauguration of the OFW Aksyon Center in Makati.

NUPL asks for immediate access to Mary Jane Veloso upon her return to PH

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin earlier welcomed the positive development, as the Palace expressed its appreciation and gratitude to Indonesia.

“Duty-bound as we are to honor the conditions for her transfer to Philippine jurisdiction, we are truly elated to welcome Mary Jane back to her homeland and family, from whom she has been distanced for too long,” Bersamin said.

Asked whether President Marcos Jr would grant the personal appeal of Veloso’s parents to issue clemency to Mary Jane, Bersamin said, "Nothing to say yet on what may happen. The priority of PBBM is to have Veloso repatriated without delay."

Mary Jane Veloso says planned transfer to PH a 'miracle'

The mother of two was arrested and convicted in 2010 after the suitcase she was carrying was found to be lined with 2.6 kilograms of heroin.

Both Veloso and her supporters said she was duped by an international drug syndicate, and in 2015, she narrowly escaped execution after her suspected recruiter was arrested.

She told AFP on Friday in her first interview since the repatriation agreement that her release was a "miracle". 

The Bureau of Corrections said Veloso would have to undergo a mandatory 5-day quarantine at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.

The BuCor said Veloso would be housed at the Reception and Diagnostic Center of the CIW for not more than 60 days, comprising a 5-day quarantine period and a 55-day orientation, diagnostic evaluation and initial security classification.

She will then be transferred to her assigned corrections facility based on the approved resolution of the RDC Initial Classification Board.

“During the 5-day quarantine, Veloso shall be placed in a regular Quarantine Cell for medical observation, during which a medical and physical examination shall be given to determine any handicap, physical  or mental illness,” the BuCor said.

The Department of Health said it was willing to provide health and psychosocial support to Mary Jane Veloso upon her return to the country.

At the DOH’s year end press conference on Tuesday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said it was part of their mandate to help repatriated OFWs.

“Ang gagawin diyan mental, psychosocial support. So 'yung mga nire-repatriate na OFWs in crisis, ka-partner kami diyan, yung Health Emergency Management Bureau,” he said.

The health chief said he would have his team coordinate with the Department of Justice to determine if Veloso has any other illness that may need attention.

“Kung pwede naman iprepare na ang diagnosis, diagnostics or treatment ang kailangan niya. Kung ano ang illness niya and we’ll get the information para prepared na, para hindi na pag dating niya tsaka pa lang gagawin,” he said.

-- With a report from Agence France-Presse