The Philippine courts should establish that Mary Jane Veloso was a mere victim of her recruiters’ illegal activities in order for the Indonesian government to consider freeing the convicted Filipino drug mule.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said Indonesia’s judicial process is still waiting for the results of a criminal case filed in Nueva Ecija province against the overseas Filipino worker’s recruiters, partners Maria Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao. The DOJ chief said Veloso’s release is possible if it can be shown in the eyes of Indonesian law that she is merely a victim and actually not guilty of the offense charged against her. Aguirre cited the recent release of 177 Indonesians, who were arrested at the Ninoy Aguino International Airport last Aug. 19 for illegal possession of Philippine passports. President Duterte ordered their release because they are just victims of a Filipino syndicate involved in illegal issuance of passports.
