Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gave the go signal for the execution of death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso, according to Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Monday.
The Jakarta Post reported what was quoted by Antara news agency based in Serang, Banten.
“President Duterte has given the go-ahead to proceed with the execution,” the news agency quoted Widodo.
Duterte and Widodo met during the former’s working visit to Indonesia last week, after attending the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos.
The Indonesian president reportedly added that Attorney General M. Prasetyo will observe the legal process.
“I have explained to [Duterte] about Mary Jane’s situation and I told him that Mary Jane [has been found guilty] for carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin. I also told him about the delay in the execution during the meeting,” Widodo said.
Upon his arrival from Indonesia on September 9, Duterte said he and Widodo talked about Veloso’s case behind closed doors. He added, however, that he could not reveal the details of their discussion before talking to Veloso’s family.
“There are matters that I cannot tell you now. I’m sorry I am not at liberty but maybe I can talk to the family first before anything else. It would be improper really for me talking about it before I get hold of the family and tell them the developments of the case,” Duterte said, as quoted by GMA News Online.
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Before leaving for Laos, Duterte said that he would try to talk to Widodo about Veloso’s case but added that he would accept the Indonesian government’s decision.
“I may just have to ask Widodo in the most respectful and very very courteous way. And if my pleadings will fall on deaf ears, I am ready to accept it. I will plead for mercy. But if I am denied, I will be grateful that she has been treated well,” Duterte was quoted saying.
Earlier, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan wondered how much Filipinos have changed in the course of a year. Last year, before Veloso’s execution, Filipinos opposed Veloso’s execution in 2015 but now think that local drug pushers deserve death.
Veloso was caught carrying drugs in the lining of her bag at Adisucipto Airport in Yogyakarta in April 2010.
Veloso was scheduled for execution by firing squad in 2015, but was put on hold as she was made to testify against her recruiters who allegedly deceived her into bringing drugs to Indonesia. Former President Benigno Aquino III was also instrumental in delaying Veloso’s execution as he made a last-minute phone call to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, saying that Veloso could help Indonesia catch a drug trafficking syndicate, which allegedly included Veloso’s recruiters.
Sources: (thejakartapost.com, gmanetwork.com, cnnphilippines.com, rappler.com)
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