Former overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso testified in person for the first time on June 19 against her recruiters in human trafficking and illegal recruitment cases.
The closed-door hearing marked the end of an 11-year wait since the case was filed in the Philippines. Veloso’s recruiters, Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao, joined via video conference from detention facilities.
Veloso stated that the recruiters provided the suitcase containing 2.6 kilograms of heroin that led to her 2010 arrest in Indonesia. Lead counsel Edre Olalia noted that direct, cross, and redirect examinations were completed during the session.
Outside the Correctional Institution for Women, Migrante International held a protest. Veloso’s father Cesar expressed hope that the testimony would prompt President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant clemency.
