By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
The social advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has joined calls for clemency for Mary Jane Veloso, who is set to be sent back to the Philippines from Indonesia where she was convicted of drug trafficking in 2010.
“Solidarity is rising once more to pray that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. grants clemency to Mary Jane upon her arrival. We cannot help but walk with her in solidarity, joining the prayers for her immediate and full clemency on humanitarian grounds as a victim of human trafficking,” Caritas Philippines said in a statement Tuesday.
It noted that this would also benefit Veloso’s family.
“Their family has endured much in this tumultuous journey. Mary Jane’s human trafficking has affected them all,” Caritas Philippines said.
“We cannot help but continue to hope for the granting of her freedom as a little bit of mercy will make the world less cold and more just this Christmas.”
At the same time, the CBCP held a Mass with Veloso’s parents at its chapel in Intramuros, Manila on Monday night, celebrated by Caritas Philippines vice chair Bishop Gerardo Alminaza.
“We stand with Mary Jane’s parents in expressing gratitude that she will be able to return home… and we sincerely pray that she will be granted clemency,” he said in an article posted on the CBCP News website.
Migrants’ advocates, along with representatives of Caritas Philippines and the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI), also attended the Mass.
No date for Veloso’s return has been set, but reports indicate she might be home this month.