Indonesian Government to be Updated on Filing of Charges Against Veloso’s Illegal Recruiters

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will inform its counterpart in Indonesia of the filing of charges against the illegal recruiters of convicted drug trafficker, Mary Jane Veloso.

The DOJ, in its 18-page resolution released on Thursday, found probable cause to charge Maria Cristina Sergio, her live-in partner Julius Lacanilao, and a certain “Ike” with qualified trafficking. Sergio and Lacanilo will also be charged with illegal recruitment and estafa. The case will be filed before the Talavera, Nueva Ecija Regional Trial Court on Friday (July 10).

“Kasama ito sa impormasyon na ipararating natin sa pamahalaan ng Indonesia para mabatid nila na mula nang sumuko, o nag-voluntarily turn in ang tinutukoy nating alleged illegal recruiter, ay nagkaroon na ng progreso doon sa case buildup, at ayon nga sa iniulat ngayon ay inihahanda na ang paghain ng paratang laban sa kanila. Kaya’t ito ay magiging bahagi ng ating pagbibigay ng update sa Indonesian government,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing at the Palace on Thursday.

Convicted by the Indonesian court of drug trafficking, the 30-year-old Veloso was set for execution last April 29. She however obtained a last-minute reprieve after the Indonesian government was informed that her illegal recruiter had surfaced.

In her testimony, Veloso claimed Sergio promised to find her a job in Malaysia for a fee. She said that in Malaysia, she was told to proceed to Indonesia, where she was promised a job as domestic helper. She said she was unaware that the suitcase given to her as a gift contained illegal drugs.

Secretary Coloma said the government is determined to protect Veloso and defend her rights.

“Nananatili ang determinasyon ng ating pamahalaan na bigyan siya ng proteksyon at ipagtanggol ang kanyang mga karapatan. Batid din natin na inihahanda na ang paghahain ng usapin laban doon sa mga umano’y illegal recruiters na nagdala kay Mary Jane sa ibang bansa at nagsangkot sa kanya sa human trafficking at alleged illegal drug trafficking activities,” he said. PND (jm)