By Analou De Vera

The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines- Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) has welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to allow Mary Jane Veloso, who is currently jailed in Indonesia for drug trafficking charges, to testify against her recruiters.

CBCP-ECMI chairman and Balanga, Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos said that the testimony of Veloso will be important to shed light on the case that she is currently facing.

“Our prayers are heard. Thanks be to God. Our justices have decided for what is just, proper and right. It is triumph of reason and truth. To know fully what really happened, MJ must be given chance to air her story,” said Santos in an interview over Church-run Radyo Veritas.

“With this, we will know modus operandi of human trafficking, how she was used, duped and victimized by her recruiters,” the prelate added.

Santos said that the Catholic Church will continue to pray for Veloso for her to obtain justice.

“We appreciate the sound and fair decision of SC to let MJ give her testimony. And we will continue to pray that MJ will receive justice, will enjoy full liberty and live a normal, humane life,” said Santos.

Veloso was put on death row in October 2010 after she was caught in possession of heroin at the Yogyakarta Airport in Indonesia. Veloso was supposed to be executed in 2015 but was spared after she had been given a temporary reprieve. Veloso claimed that she was duped by her recruiters.

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