Veloso’s Return Highlights Philippine Government’s Commitment to Protect Overseas Workers

After nearly 15 years of being detained in Indonesia for drug trafficking, Mary Jane Veloso, a migrant worker, finally returned home a week before Christmas. Her homecoming marked a significant milestone in the Philippine government’s efforts to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. Veloso was arrested in Indonesia in 2010 for possession of 2.6 kilos of heroin and was sentenced to death that same year. In 2015, she received a temporary reprieve from execution to assist in investigating human trafficking charges related to her case.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced in November that an agreement had been reached with Indonesia to transfer Veloso to the Philippines, acknowledging the goodwill of the Indonesian government. Veloso’s return also led to the filing of charges against the human trafficking syndicate that recruited her. Upon her arrival, she was taken to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City. Her sister, who had experienced sexual abuse in Saudi Arabia, was also repatriated before Veloso’s return.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has been actively involved in repatriating distressed OFWs from various countries, including Kuwait, Lebanon, and Israel. Financial assistance, skills training vouchers, healthcare support, and other forms of aid have been provided to returning OFWs and their families. Additionally, the DMW has implemented reintegration programs to help OFWs transition back to life in the Philippines, including livelihood development assistance and financial awareness seminars.

In a bid to enhance protection and expand services for OFWs, new Migrant Workers Offices have been established in Budapest, Hungary, and Warsaw, Poland. The government has also taken action against illegal recruitment activities, closed down establishments engaged in such practices, and provided legal assistance to individuals affected. Furthermore, President Marcos signed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers working locally and internationally. This legislation aims to improve working conditions, wages, and safety protocols for Filipino seafarers, who are a vital part of the global maritime industry.

Source