MANILA, Philippines – Ikinagalak ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) ang “positive developments” sa kaso ni Filipina death row convict Mary Jane Veloso at ang kanyang pagbabalik sa Pilipinas matapos ang ilang dekada ng konsultasyon at diplomatic engagements.
Noong nakaraang buwan, kinumpirma ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang pagbabalik sa bansa ni Veloso at nagpasalamat sa Indonesian government sa pag-apruba ng pagbabalik nito sa Pilipinas para tapusin ang kanyang sentensya.
“The Commission thus applauds the efforts of the President Marcos Jr. and the DFA for their continuous proactiveness for over a decade that allowed Veloso to finally have a chance to come back to her home country and her family while serving the rest of her sentence,” saad sa pahayag ng CHR nitong Lunes, Disyembre 9.
“CHR commends the initiative of the current Philippine authorities in pursuing justice beyond our own territorial bounds. After all, promoting and protecting the dignity of every Filipino will always include our migrant workers, parallel to our foreign policy which also prioritizes the welfare of Filipinos overseas,” dagdag pa niya.
Noong nakaraang linggo, sinabi ng Department of Justice na si Veloso ay maaaring makauwi na sa bansa matapos ang pagpirma ng “practical agreement” sa pagitan ng Indonesia at Pilipinas.
Sinabi ni Indonesian Minister for Human Rights and Corrections Yusil Ihza Mahendra na mismong si Pangulong Prabowo Subianto ang nag-abiso sa kanya na pauwiin si Veloso bago mag-Pasko.
Iginiit ng Indonesian official na wala silang hiniling na anumang kapalit sa pag-uwi ni Veloso.
“Along with the Executive, the CHR extends its sincerest gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government on this significant development, a stark proof of the continuous dialogue and diplomatic exchanges made with the Philippines to address Veloso’s situation,” ayon sa CHR.
“It must be noted that this was arranged in accordance with Indonesia’s recent policy on the transfer of foreign prisoners to their home countries. Therefore, Veloso’s sentence will continue upon her arrival in the Philippines. The Commission has also taken cognizance of President Marcos Jr.’s assurance that the government will study the option of granting clemency to Veloso,” dagdag ng Komisyon.
Nagpaalala ang CHR sa pamahalaan na katigan ang United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners at Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders o Bangkok Rules.
“This is to ensure that all efforts needed for constitutional actionable steps towards the reformation and possible reintegration of Veloso and the rest of the PDLs to mainstream society are actualized,” giit ng CHR.
“The Commission expresses its full support for the significant efforts to help Veloso attain justice. This has opened a symbol of hope for other migrant workers that are facing the same condition whom we continue to fight for,” dagdag pa nito. RNT/JGC
