Manila, Philippines – Advocacy groups such as Migrante, BAYAN, and the church-based Task Force Save Mary Jane have launched an online petition campaign urging Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to grant clemency to Mary Jane Veloso.
This follows a gathering at the Saint Anthony De Padua Shrine, November 23, where the groups initiated an international petition for Veloso’s safe return and freedom.
The petition calls for Veloso to be seen as a victim of human trafficking, not a criminal.
Arrested in 2010 for carrying over two kilograms of heroin, she faced a death sentence in Indonesia, but it was put on hold after Philippine authorities arrested her trafficker.
The signature campaign has received backing from the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), who act also as the private legal counsel for the Veloso family.
The NUPL is actively seeking global attention and support, urging people worldwide to sign the petition.
As of December 3, approximately 1,800 people signed the online petition.
You can sign your petition here: https://www.change.org/p/bring-mary-jane-veloso-home-and-grant-her-immediate-clemency?utm_medium=custom_url&utm_source=share_petition&recruited_by_id=4d427150-e96b-11e4-845d-b1182e2