The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has assured former overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso of government support as she begins her reintegration with her family following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s grant of an absolute pardon.
In a statement, the DMW thanked Marcos for granting Veloso executive clemency, saying the decision paved the way for her release and reunion with her family.
The department said it would provide the necessary assistance for Veloso’s reintegration, in line with the President’s directive.
“Kami po sa Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) ay nakaalalay kay Mary Jane sa kanyang muling pagsisimula, alinsunod sa inyong tagubilin patungkol sa reintegration. Handa ang DMW na magbigay ng kinakailangang tulong at suporta para sa kanyang reintegrasyon kasama ang kanyang pamilya,” the DMW said.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac earlier ordered a team to coordinate with Veloso’s family in Nueva Ecija and develop a tailored reintegration program. The assistance includes psychosocial counseling, livelihood starter kits, enterprise capital and skills training through the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
The program will also seek to connect Veloso’s livelihood activities with local cooperatives and economic opportunities in Nueva Ecija, according to the DMW.
Marcos confirmed on September 25 that he had signed Veloso’s absolute pardon. She had spent nearly 15 years in detention after being arrested in Indonesia in 2010 and convicted of drug trafficking.
Veloso was initially sentenced to death in Indonesia. In 2015, she received a last-minute reprieve from execution after the Philippine government appealed for her to be allowed to testify in proceedings involving her alleged recruiters.
Following an agreement between the Philippines and Indonesia, Veloso was transferred to Philippine custody in December 2024 to serve the remainder of her sentence. She was later granted an absolute pardon by Marcos, allowing her to regain her freedom.
The DMW said it would continue to assist Veloso and her family as she adjusts to life after her release.
