DFA: Legal, Diplomatic Options to Save Mary Jane Veloso Now Closed

The Department Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday that all legal and diplomatic options to save convicted drug courier Mary Jane Veloso from execution in Indonesia are now closed.

With this the DFA conceded that her death is imminent.

Reports said that despite repeated pleas by the Philippine government for clemency, Indonesia has stood firm on its position to press ahead with Veloso’s execution noting Indonesian President Jokowi Widodo rejection over President Benigno Aquino III’s appeal and its court’s denial of a second motion for review on her case.

DFA spokesman Charles Jose told a press briefing in Manila was quoted saying that execution of Veloso appears to be imminent.

Jose said they recognize Indonesia’s sovereignty to enforce and implement their laws adding that they have exhausted all legal remedies to Mary Jane.

“We did everything that we could but it seems both approaches – legal and diplomatic – have been closed.”Jose said over GMA News Online report.

Veloso in isolation cell

Late Tuesday, Mary Jane Veloso, including nine drug traffickers, are being held in isolation cells at an Indonesian maximum security prison awaiting execution by firing squad.

Earlier, Indonesian authorities notified them that they had no hope of reprieve.

Security at the prison was heightened and religious counselors, doctors and the firing squad were alerted to start final preparations for the execution of the four Nigerians, two Australians, an Indonesian, a Brazilian, and Veloso.

Moreover, ambulances with coffins inside arrived at the Nusakambangan prison island in central Java, where said convicts are expected to be executed as early as Tuesday night.