The bad news is that the much-anticipated return of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso, spared from execution by the Indonesian government, may not happen before Christmas, as her mother had prayed.

An Indonesian official, however, raised hope of an immediate pardon for Veloso once she is repatriated.

“We are transferring them (prisoners) to their countries so they can serve their sentences there, but if the countries want to grant them amnesty, we will respect it. It’s their right,” Indonesian Senior Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said.

Indonesian officials clarified that while Veloso’s return is confirmed, the process of transferring detainees is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Her mother, Celia Veloso, nonetheless, is praying for a miracle in which her daughter will be back in her arms before Christmas.

“I hope our President will grant her clemency (on Veloso’s return from Indonesia) so we can spend Christmas together,” said Celia Veloso as she renewed her call for clemency for her daughter.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said that when Veloso returns to the Philippines, she will remain in detention under an agreement with Indonesia.

Veloso, detained in 2010 for attempting to smuggle 2.6 kilograms of heroin, was placed on death row until the Indonesian government suspended her execution in 2015 following the arrest of her recruiter who was alleged to have placed the narcotics in her suitcase.

“Our target is hopefully by the end of December the transfer of prisoners would have been completed,” Mahendra said.

One of many transferees

Indonesia is processing for transfer other high-profile prisoners, including members of Australia’s “Bali Nine” who were convicted of attempting to smuggle heroin out of Indonesia in April 2005.

The Indonesian minister is also looking at coordinating with Paris on the transfer of a French citizen.

In another development, Veloso’s sister, an OFW who was reported to have been sexually abused by her employer in Saudi Arabia, will also return to the Philippines by next week.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed her repatriation on Thursday.

Agencies hand-in-hand

In light of Veloso’s situation, the government remains committed to assisting her and her family.

The DMW said it is focused on Veloso’s welfare, particularly the practical aspects of her situation, including logistical, financial and welfare support.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority recently granted full scholarships to Veloso’s children, Mark Darren, 16 and Mark Daniel, 22.