# Presidential pardon and release of Mary Jane Veloso

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/presidential-pardon-of-mary-jane-veloso
> Updated: 2026-10-04T10:00:00.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 3.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso, a former overseas Filipino worker who had been imprisoned in Indonesia since 2010. Veloso was originally arrested after authorities discovered 2.6 kg of heroin in her luggage, leading to a conviction for drug trafficking and a death sentence. Throughout her imprisonment, Veloso maintained her innocence, claiming she was a victim of human trafficking.

Following a prisoner transfer agreement between the Philippines and Indonesia, Veloso was repatriated to the Philippines in December 2024. The Indonesian government, represented by Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated they respect the decision, noting that under the reciprocal agreement, responsibility for Veloso’s rehabilitation and legal status shifted to the Philippine government upon her transfer.

Following her repatriation, Veloso served two years in the Correctional Institute for Women in the Philippines. The presidential pardon has since resulted in her release, marking the end of 16 years of total imprisonment. Advocacy groups, including Migrante International, described the release as ‘a historic victory for the global people’s movement’ and a significant milestone in the fight for the rights of migrant workers against exploitation. Her homecoming has been celebrated by her family and organizations such as Migrante Canada and the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL).

## Timeline

### 2026-10-04: Mary Jane Veloso released following presidential pardon

After 16 years of detention, human trafficking victim Mary Jane Veloso has been released following a pardon by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mary-jane-veloso-released-following-presidential-pardon

### 2026-09-27: Philippines pardons Mary Jane Veloso after decade of Indonesian imprisonment

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pardoned Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino woman imprisoned in Indonesia since 2010. Indonesia respects the decision following Veloso's repatriation.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippines-pardons-mary-jane-veloso-after-decade-of-indonesian-imprisonment

### 2026-09-25: Mary Jane Veloso granted absolute pardon by President Marcos Jr

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso, ending her 16-year legal ordeal following a 2010 drug trafficking conviction in Indonesia.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ferdinand-marcos-jr-grants-absolute-pardon-to-mary-jane-veloso

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Cite as: Presidential pardon and release of Mary Jane Veloso. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/presidential-pardon-of-mary-jane-veloso