VP Binay on Veloso’s reprieve: Stay of execution a result of prayers

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday acknowledged the stay of execution of Mary Jane Veloso, facing death due to drug trafficking in Indonesia, was a result of prayers.

"This is the power of prayer at work. Huwag po natin itigil ang pagdarasal para kay Mary Jane. Dagdagan pa po natin ang ating panalangin na maisalba natin siya sa kamatayan," Binay said in a press statement.

To avoid an incident similar to Veloso, he also asked Filipinos abroad to be mindful of their belongings and refrain from carrying luggage other than their own.

"Buhay po ang nakataya rito at kailanman ay hindi matutumbasan ng kahit anong halaga ang inyong buhay. Sana ay huwag po kayong magpabiktima sa mga sindikato o magtiwala sa mga pakiusap na magdala ng bagaheng hindi sa inyo," he said.

Binay, presidential adviser on OFW affairs, also reminded those seeking jobs abroad to go through the proper channels.

"Sana po ay dumaan tayo sa tama at legal na proseso. Para rin po ito sa inyong proteksyon at kapakanan," he said.

Veloso was scheduled to be executed Tuesday night but the Indonesian government decided to suspend it after Maria Kristina Sergio, the recruiter who allegedly tricked her into bringing a suitcase with 2.6 kilograms of heroin to Indonesia on April 2010, turned herself in to authorities on Tuesday morning.

Tony Spontana, the spokesman for Indonesia's Attorney General said: "There was a request from the Philippine president regarding the perpetrator who's suspected of committing human trafficking and surrendered in the Philippines. MJ is needed for her testimony."

The other eight drug convicts scheduled for execution, including two Australians, four Nigerians, a Brazilian, and an Indonesian were not spared. — Amita Legaspi/LBG, GMA News

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