Mary Jane Veloso to stay in women’s prison - BuCor

Metro Manila, Philippines - A high-profile Filipino inmate convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia will be transferred to a women’s prison to continue serving time upon her return to the country, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

The agency said Mary Jane Veloso will stay at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

The Philippine and Indonesian governments agreed to repatriate her after years of appeal of her death sentence.

The BuCor said the protocol would require Veloso to go on a five-day quarantine at the CIW.

“After the 5-day quarantine period which will fall on December 24, Veloso’s immediate family can visit her in time for Christmas, providing a rare moment of connection during this transitional period,” BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang said in a statement.

Veloso will be in a regular quarantine cell for medical observation during the quarantine period.

BuCor said Veloso will be confined separately from her convicted illegal recruiter who handed her the suitcase with drugs that were caught at the airport in Yogyakarta province.

Speaking to reporters in an event, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said a team from the Department of Health can offer a health check and mental health support upon Veloso’s arrival.

Herbosa said he will coordinate with Justice Secretary Boying Remulla to get Veloso’s health update and prepare diagnostic treatment she would need.

NewsWatch Plus’ Daniza Fernandez and Jelo Ritzhie Mantaring contributed to this report.