A day before the possible execution of Mary Jane Veloso, urban poor residents of Sitio San Roque, Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa in Quezon City tied white ribbons inside their community as they hope to save her life from Indonesian death row. Mary Jane's brother, Christopher Veloso (in blue shirt in attached photo), also joined the protest.
A gathering of residents this afternoon in Sitio San Roque also appealed on the Indonesian government to commute the death sentence on Mary Jane Veloso, a 30-year-old single mother who was sentenced to die this year in Indonesia by firing squad on drug-related charges, together with several foreign prisoners. She was arrested at the Yogyakarta Airport five years ago. Veloso claimed she was tricked into bringing a suitcase loaded with 2.6 kilograms of heroin.
Meanwhile, urban poor group Kadamay called on the Aquino administration should clean up its mess with regards to its neglect of providing legal and other assistance for Veloso, and do all the efforts to save the life of Veloso.Estrelieta 'Ka Inday' Bagasbas, local leader of Sitio San Roque and national vice chairperson of urban poor group Kadamay, said that the execution of Mary Jane in the coming days, if it pushed through, may trigger a public discontent that could spell a final death blow to the Aquino administration, that has been hounded by the Mamasapano and Pork Barrel scandals.
Indonesia said it is scheduled to proceed with the executions when the Asian-African summit or Bandung Conference in Indonesia concludes tomorrow, April 24. President Widodo earlier said countries with nationals facing death sentence in Indonesia should respect Indonesian laws.
In today's activity, Kadamay also announced its plan to hold a coordinated candle lighting protests at 6 p.m. tomorrow in different urban poor communities in Metro Manila, as they await for Indonesia's announcement of its plan to execute Veloso.
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