Interfaith group asks Pinoys to pray for Mary Jane Veloso

An interfaith group has called on Filipinos to unite in prayer for the release of the Pinay on death row in Indonesia for drug trafficking. 
 
The Philippine Interfaith Movement Against Human Trafficking – composed of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines – called on Filipinos to make use of the windows of opportunity to continue to have Mary Jane Go be spared from execution via firing squad. 
 
"Individually as church federations and collectively as PIMAHT, we are called to speak in defense of life. While we are relieved that legal remedies are now being undertaken and the execution has been stayed temporarily, these are mainly windows of opportunity to unite in solidarity with Mary Jane and join hands in praying and seeking her release," the group said on statement released Wednesday. 
 
"We also extend our plea to the Indonesian government to heed the growing voices in the country and within the international community to grant her clemency," it added. 
 
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said Wednesday that they have already instucted the Philippine Embassy in Indonesia to file for an appeal for a second review of Veloso's case after the government's motion to re-open it was rejected late last month. 
 
Jose added that since the Indonesian government will not execute anyone until the Bandung Conference concludes on April 24, it will give the Philippine government time to prepare for new arguments for the second appeal. 
 
Jose said they are still waiting for the report of the investigation of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Philippine National Police. 
 
"We're looking at the results of the visit of PDEA and the PNP, if we can include any of the results dito sa second appeal. If not, we'll ask for a better appreciation," he added. 
 
A single mother to two boys, Veloso was arrested at the Yogyakarta Airport on April 25, 2010 after her suitcase was found to be loaded with 2.6 kilograms of heroin. She said that she was only tricked to bring the luggage by her friend and recruiter Maria Kristina Sergio but she denied all accusations. 
 
Aside from appealing for Veloso's life, PIMAHT also urged the government to fight human trafficking.
 
"Human trafficking is a scourge that thrives on the vulnerability of our poor sisters and brothers who have no recourse but to grab the proverbial knife (kapit sa patalim) in order to survive...  We also urge our government to ensure that people who prey on the vulnerable are taken into custody and charged immediately to avoid any more potential victims and that justice be served for those who abuse others for profit," the group said. — Trisha Macas/RSJ, GMA News

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