Veloso home, finally

Mary Jane Veloso has finally returned home after 14 years.

Accompanied by the Oplan “Sundo-Nesia” team led by Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr., Veloso’s journey concluded early this morning when Cebu Pacific Flight SJ 760 landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 at 5:51 a.m. The flight, which departed from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta at 12:05 a.m., marked the end of a harrowing chapter in Veloso's life.

Catapang emphasized that Veloso was not handcuffed or subjected to any form of restraint during the flight, citing the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. These rules, adopted by the First United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, state that such instruments must only be used for as long as strictly necessary.

He also referenced the Bangkok Rules, or the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2010, this set of 70 rules ensures that incarcerated women are treated with dignity and that their rights are protected.

“Veloso had no intention of escaping or harming herself as she was eager to return to the Philippines,” Catapang said, stressing the importance of humane treatment throughout the process.

“Wala naman siyang balak tumakas or saktan ang sarili niya dahil gusto na nga niyang makauwi ng Pilipinas. So bakit pa natin kakailanganin ang posas? Imbis na posas, dapat rosas ang ibigay natin sa kanya,” Catapang remarked.

From the airport, Veloso was transported to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City, where she will undergo mandatory housing at the Reception and Diagnostic Center. This includes a five-day quarantine followed by a 55-day orientation, diagnostic evaluation, and initial security classification.

Catapang assured Veloso’s family that they will be able to visit her in time for Christmas after she completes her quarantine period, which includes a comprehensive medical and physical examination.

Veloso’s return was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various government agencies under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with key contributions from the Department of Foreign Affairs, BuCor, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Immigration, all under the Department of Justice led by Secretary Crispin “Boying” Remulla.