MANILA63win, Philippines — The Indonesian government did not impose any condition on the repatriation of convicted drug courier Mary Jane Veloso.
Department of Justice spokesman Mico Clavano said yesterday Indonesia has agreed to relinquish both physical and legal custody of Veloso to the Philippines.
“There seems to be no conditions imposed. They’re just handing Mary Jane Veloso to us and it is up to us to decide whether or not there should be other steps taken,” he said.
“We initially thought the physical custody will be with us and the legal custody will remain with Indonesia but it seems right now, both legal and physical custody are now with the Philippines,” he added.
With this, the Philippines no longer needs permission from the Indonesian government should executive clemency be granted to Veloso.
Other decisions such as possible sentence commutation or the location of Veloso’s detention will be in the hands of Philippine authorities, Clavano said.
The Philippines and Indonesia signed on Dec. 6 an agreement on the transfer of Veloso, who has been on death row since her conviction, back to the Philippines.
Clavano said Indonesia has indicated that it wants Veloso transferred to the Philippines by Christmas.
It has yet to be determined where Veloso will be detained once she’s back in the Philippines. Clavano63win, however, said she will be kept separate from her convicted illegal recruiters Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanlinao.
