Recruiters’ indictment seen to save Mary Jane from execution anew

The indictment of the alleged recruiters of Mary Jane Veloso by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Philippines might further extend her lease on life, a migrants' rights group assisting her in her case said Friday.

"Tingin namin ay hindi pa makakasama sa execution ngayon si Mary Jane after Ramadan," said Migrante secretary general Sol Pillas, citing the DOJ resolution recommending illegal recuitment, qualified trafficking and estafa charges against Ma. Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao as reason.

"Kaya ang DOJ, dapat madaliin din na magkaroon na ng trial," she added.

Veloso's family and supporters have earlier expressed fears that she might once again be up for execution after the end of Ramadan on July 17 if the Philippine government fails to resolve the cases against her alleged recruiters in Manila.

Her sister, Maritess Veloso, earlier told GMA News Online that their lawyers had informed them it was customary in Indonesia for the government to make announcements involving their inmates after Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting among Muslims.

Veloso was convicted for transporting 2.6 kilos of heroin into Indonesia from Malaysia in April 2010. She was spared from execution by firing squad at the last minute in late April, after the Indonesian government allowed her to testify against her alleged recruiters in the Philippines.

Veloso, who was visited by Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao in prison on Friday, claimed she was tricked into bringing the illegal drugs to Indonesia by Sergio, who was with her in Malaysia.

Both Sergio and Lacanilao had denied the charges filed against them. Sergio said the drug-laden bag Veloso was carrying when she was arrested came from two African-looking men Veloso befriended while they were in Malaysia. —KBK, GMA News