MIGRANTE International
NEWS RELEASE
June 21, 2023
Early last week, Mary Jane Veloso’s parents and two sons travelled to Yogyakarta, Indonesia to visit Mary Jane in her place of detention in Wonosari, an almost two-hour drive from the city center. After five long years since the last time they were together, they were able to reunite and spend a significant time with Mary Jane for two days.
“Napakasaya ng aming pamilya. Pagkatapos ng matagal na panahon, nayakap na namin muli si Mary Jane. Hindi natulog si Mary Jane dahil nasasabik na makasama kami. Nakita niya ang dalawang anak niya, binata na. Nung nakita nila Mama nila, ayaw nila pakawalan, parating hinahalikan at niyayakap. Miss na miss na nila ang Mama nila. Nakapagkwentuhan kami, nagdasal at nagmisa kami kung saan nakita namin si Mary Jane tumugtog ng gitara at piano. Aktibo kasi siya sa mga aktibidad sa simbahan,” said Celia Veloso, mother of Mary Jane
[Our family is very happy. After a long time, we were able to hug Mary Jane. Mary Jane was unable to sleep because she has been longing to be reunited with us. She saw her two sons already grown into young men. When they saw their mom, they did not want to let go of her, always kissing and hugging her. They missed their mother so much. We were able to share stories, pray and attend mass where we were able to watch Mary Jane play the guitar and piano. She is very active in church activities.] Celia Veloso, mother of Mary Jane
The family were joined by Migrante International chairperson Joanna Concepcion; Mary Jane’s family lawyers, Atty. Edre Olalia and Atty. Minnie Lopez of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers or NUPL; and Bishop Nonie Francisco from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines or UCCP. Representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta and the DFA-OUMWA in Manila who assisted in facilitating the family’s visitat were also present during the visit.
“We reassured Mary Jane that we have not forgotten her, that our campaign for clemency and freedom continues to garner more support from many people across the globe who stand with her as a victim of human trafficking. It was a joyful occasion to see Mary Jane and her family express their love and longing for one another. At the same time, this reunion serves as a reminder that it has been a difficult 13-year journey for Mary Jane and her family, and we challenge President Bongbong Marcos Jr. to take more proactive actions to appeal to the Indonesian government to grant clemency for Mary Jane,” said Concepcion.
The warm welcome from the staff and officers of the women’s correctional institution brought comfort to Mary Jane’s father who witnessed how Mary Jane is much beloved and respected.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga mamamayan ng Indonesia sa patuloy nilang suporta at pagmamahal sa aking anak, lalo na sa mga kasamahan niya sa loob ng kulungan. Nagluto at naghanda ang mga kasamahan niya ng fried rice, hotdog, at chicken nuggets para sa aming pagbisita. Panatag ang loob ko na inaalagaan siya. Masayang-masaya kami na nadalaw na namin ang aking anak. Pati iyung mga guards nagtipon para makibahagi sila sa masaya naming reunion. Bago kami umalis, sabi ni Mary Jane sa amin na gustung-gusto na niyang makauwi sa Pilipinas para makasama at makapiling ang mga anak niya,” stated Cesar Veloso, father of Mary Jane.
[We are very thankful to the people of Indonesia for their continuous support and love for my daughter, especially the people who are with her inside prison. They prepared and cooked fried rice, hotdog, and chicken nuggets for our visit. I feel at ease knowing that she is being taken care of. We are very happy that we were able to visit my daughter. Even the guards gathered to share in the joy of our reunion. Mary Jane told us that she really wants to go home to the Philippines to be with her children.] stated Cesar Veloso, father of Mary Jane
As for Mary Jane’s eldest son, this visit to his mother gave him the opportunity to fully express his love to his mother, while at the same time sympathize with the painful reality of her continued imprisonment. “Masayang-masaya ako na nakasama ko muli ang Mama ko. Sa kabilang banda, malungkot na dalawang araw lang kami nagkasama. Nung pauwi na kami gusto ko siyang iuwi na sa Pilipinas. Masakit sa pakiramdam nung nagpapaalam na kami dahil gusto ko kasama namin siya pauwi. Sabi ng Mama ko, lumaban lang kami nang lumaban hanggang sa makalaya siya. Proud ako sa Mama ko. Kahit nakakulong siya, nagagawa niya pa din na suportahan at gabayan kaming magkapatid. Alam kong nabiktima lamang si Mama at mabuti siyang tao at ina. Sana mabigyan na siya ng clemency sa lalong madaling panahon para makasama na namin siya. Kahit simple lang ang buhay namin sa Pilipinas, basta magkakasama kami, iyun ang mahalaga,” said Mark Danielle, Mary Jane’s eldest son.
[I am very happy that I was able to be with my Mom again. On the other hand, I am sad because I was only able to be with her for two days. When we were about to leave, I really wanted to take her with me back to Philippines. Saying goodbye really pains me because I wanted her to go home with us. My Mom told us to continue fighting until she is free. I am very proud of my Mom. Even though she is in prison, she still finds a way to support and guide me and my brother. I know my mother is just a victim and she is a good person and a good mother. I hope she will be given clemency in the soonest possible time so we can be together. Our life in the Philippines may be simple, but what’s important is that we are together.] Mark Danielle, Mary Jane’s eldest son.
For Nanay Celia, while visiting Mary Jane always provides her and her family the strength they need to carry on, she hopes Mary Jane’s freedom will be secured at the soonest time. “Na-miss ko na talaga ang anak ko. Sana ito na ang huling dalaw namin kay Mary Jane dahil gusto naming siya naman ang ang makauwi. Hindi na dapat umabot ng isa pang taon. Hinding-hindi ako susuko hanggang sa makalaya ang anak ko.”
[I’ve really missed my daughter. I hope this is our last visit to Mary Jane because we want her to be able to go home. We should not wait for one more year. I will never give up fighting until my daughter is set free.] ###
