PHL to keep Indonesia updated on progress of Mary Jane recruiters’ case

The Philippine government will inform Indonesia about the Department of Justice's (DOJ) recommendation to file illegal recruitment, qualified trafficking and estafa charges against the alleged recruiters of Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina on death row in Indonesia.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the recommended charges against the alleged illegal recruiters show that the Philippines is making progress in going after individuals who supposedly victimized Veloso.

“Kasama ‘yan sa impormasyon na ipararating natin sa pamahalaan ng Indonesia para mabatid nila na mula ‘nung sumuko, o nag-voluntarily turn in ang tinutukoy nating alleged illegal recruiter ay nagkaroon na ng progreso doon sa case buildup, at ayon nga sa iyong iniulat ngayon ay inihahanda na ‘yung paghain ng paratang laban sa kanila,” Coloma told reporters.

The DOJ will also seek updates on Veloso’s case from Indonesian counterparts, he added.

Coloma also maintained that the administration is still committed to saving Veloso from death row.

“Nananatili ‘yung determinasyon ng ating pamahalaan na bigyan siya ng proteksyon at ipagtanggol ang kanyang mga karapatan,” the Palace official said.

Earlier in the day, the DOJ announced that it has found probable cause to charge Ma. Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao, Veloso’s alleged recruiters, with illegal recruitment, qualified trafficking and estafa.

Veloso was sentenced to death after being arrested at the Yogyakarta International Airport for carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin.

Last April, Veloso, a single mother, was spared from execution by a firing squad, after President Benigno Aquino III made a last-minute appeal to turn her into a witness against her alleged recruiters in the Philippines.  —KBK, GMA News

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