The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has sought executive clemency for Mary Jane Veloso, who has been on Indonesia’s death row for the past 12 years after being arrested in 2010 on drug related charges.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Jakarta, Indonesia on Sunday on the sidelines of the State Visit of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.

“Foreign Minister Marsudi said she would consult the Ministry of Justice on the matter,” DFA said in a statement on Tuesday.

The agency said it has been providing consular assistance to Veloso since the time of her arrest in 2010. Veloso was meted the death penalty in October 2010 and was granted a stay of execution in April 2015.

DFA said that the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta had retained the services of an Indonesian law firm to serve as legal counsel for Veloso in accordance with Indonesian laws and procedures.

The embassy is also in regular contact with Veloso in coordination with Indonesian authorities.

“Based on the last communication of the Philippine Embassy officials, Ms. Veloso was in relatively good health at the Wonosari Women’s Penitentiary in Yogyakarta, where she is currently detained,” DFA said.

In a press briefing on Monday, Press Secretary Rose Beatrix “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles said that Manalo brought up the case of Veloso with his Indonesian counterpart.

“Our DFA continues to look for solutions,” she said.

Manalo and Cruz-Angeles were among the Cabinet officials who joined the President for his three-day state visit to Indonesia, his first overseas trip since he assumed office in June. | PND