Mary Jane’s Fate Rests on Duterte, Widodo Meeting

Jakarta, 07 Dzulhijjah 1437/09 September 2016 (MINA) – The fate of Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina on death row for drug trafficking here, will be known today after President Duterte meets with President Joko Widodo in extended bilateral talks at the State Palace.

However, there is nothing in the President’s schedule indicating he would visit Veloso in prison, The Star reported.

The Indonesian court stopped Veloso’s execution last year after learning that Philippine authorities had in their custody the recruiter who was said to be behind the cocaine that was allegedly found in her possession while trying to enter Indonesia in 2012.

In a video, Veloso pleaded for the President’s help.

The President arrived here last night from Vientiane, Laos where he attended the 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit.

Earlier, Duterte said he would plead Veloso’s case with Widodo, noting he is ready to accept whatever would be the decision of the Indonesian government.

“I may just have to ask Widodo in a most respectful and very courteous way. But if my pleadings will fall on deaf ears, then I might just accept the system and plead for mercy. But if President Widodo will deny it I am still grateful she is treated well. Had it been the other way around, I would not know what or how to react,” Duterte said earlier.

The President will meet with the Filipino community this morning before attending a wreath-laying ceremony at the Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery.

He will proceed to the Istana Negara State Palace, where he and his party will hold bilateral talks with Widodo and their counterparts.

Widodo will host a state dinner for Duterte tonight, hours before the Philippine leader departs for Davao City.

Duterte promised to report to the country the gains of his first trip abroad as president, which started with the ASEAN summit in Laos.

The President has accepted the chairmanship of the regional grouping as it marks its 50th year next year. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)