Mary Jane Veloso’s five-day quarantine period concluded on Friday, marking her transfer to a regular dorm at the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC) within the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.
Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. confirmed that Veloso will stay at the RDC for the next 55 days, during which she will undergo mandatory orientation, diagnostics and classification.
Catapang explained that this initial phase allows new Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) like Veloso to familiarize themselves with the facility’s rules and regulations, as well as their rights and privileges.
The orientation will also provide important information about rehabilitation programs, health services, time allowances and grievance mechanisms available to those in custody.
According to Acting CIW Superintendent CT/Supt. Marjorie Ann Sanidad, Veloso will be placed in a regular dorm measuring 48x32 feet, shared with 30 newly received PDLs. Sanidad emphasized that this setup fosters community and mutual support as the women work toward rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Catapang has directed the CIW to translate Veloso’s prison records from Indonesia, which are documented in Bahasa. This translation is essential for the Bureau of Corrections to determine whether her time in Indonesia can be officially recognized as valid prison time under their jurisdiction.