“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18 NIV)
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) joins Nanay Celia and Tatay Cesar, Mary Jane’s two sons along with the rest of the Veloso family in welcoming the news that she will finally return to the Philippines after 14 years of incarceration in Indonesia. It is a cause for rejoicing especially as we approach the advent season.
The NCCP, together with the Churches Witnessing with Migrants (CWWM), has been steadfast in working and praying for Mary Jane Veloso’s release over the years. Just two weeks ago, through the help of the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta led by Ambassador Gina A. Jamoralin, and our sisters and brothers in the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (Persekutuan Gereja-Gereja di Indonesia or PGI), the NCCP sent a 4-member delegation led by our General Secretary, to visit Mary Jane in prison in Yogyakarta. A representative of PGI and Beranda Migran also accompanied the NCCP delegation, and all of us prayed for her and assured her that we would continue to advocate for her freedom.
This is why we are very thankful to the Philippine and Indonesian Governments for the diplomatic efforts and arrangements they are pursuing for the “transfer of custody” of Mary Jane. In the same breath, we also call for a speedy trial of the case against her recruiters and for the government to intensify and exert all efforts to go after organized crime syndicates involved in human trafficking that prey on the vulnerable.
In the long run, the best way to prevent another case like that of Mary Jane is to provide adequate jobs here in the country. Jobs that can give decent lives for all. The stories of the other OFWs on death row are just one of the consequences of the exodus of people to other countries to provide a better life for their families back home.
But for now, as we near the observance of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we hold on to the hope that Mary Jane will soon be reunited with her family. We also lift in prayer the many other “Mary Janes”—Filipinos who are suffering and languishing in jails across the globe. We likewise join the call to Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to grant Mary Jane immediate clemency upon her return. This is our heartfelt prayer.
Signed:
21 November 2024
The Most Rev. Brent Harry W. Alawas
Acting Chairperson
Ms. Jennifer Ferariza-Meneses
Vice-Chairperson
Pastor Jon Dave A. Angeles
Vice Chairperson
Rev. Leonardo R. Morada
Treasurer
Ms. Minnie Anne M. Calub
General Secretary
