MANILA – The Philippine government is providing support to the family of Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina woman who has been imprisoned in Indonesia since 2010 on drug trafficking charges, as well as assisting another Filipina migrant worker who has returned home alleging abuse.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced on Tuesday that Mary Jane’s sister, Maritess, had returned to the Philippines from Saudi Arabia on November 29th. Maritess had earlier asked the DMW for help to return home, claiming she was sexually abused by her Saudi Arabian employer.
“Yes, Maritess is back, and we’re working closely also with our Migrant Workers Office in Al Khobar where her claims are being worked out,” Cacdac said at the launch of the Overseas Labor Market Situationer in Makati City.
Upon her arrival, Maritess received financial assistance from the DMW, and the department said it is ensuring she is “well supported as she settles back home.” Her welfare and that of her family remain a priority, Cacdac added.
The DMW also said Maritess’ family will receive medical assistance from the OFW Hospital in Pampanga province, especially for her grandchild who was born with a blood infection.
Meanwhile, Cacdac revealed that Mary Jane’s parents, Celia and Cesar, received another round of financial assistance during their visit to the DMW main office in Mandaluyong City last Sunday. The department also pledged additional financial support to improve the family’s home in Nueva Ecija, which was previously constructed with the help of the late DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople.
“We are hoping that this assistance will significantly improve the family’s living conditions,” Cacdac said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice are continuing to work on the possible transfer of Mary Jane from Indonesia to the Philippines, Cacdac added. Mary Jane has been detained in Indonesia for over a decade after being arrested on drug trafficking charges.
The Philippine government’s efforts to support the Veloso family and assist other Filipino migrant workers facing challenges overseas underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Filipinos seeking employment abroad.
