Mary Jane Veloso, a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was imprisoned in Indonesia for drug trafficking, has urged prospective OFWs to avoid illegal recruiters and ensure they undergo the legal process for working abroad. Speaking at a press conference at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila on October 1, 2026, Veloso shared her experiences and emphasized the importance of legal procedures. She stated, 'Wala pong masama na mangarap. Wala pong masama na gusto natin maiahon ang ating mga pamilya sa hirap. Pero kung ako po, mabuti pong dumaan tayo sa legal na paraan,' which translates to 'There's nothing wrong with having a dream. There's nothing wrong with wanting to lift your family out of poverty. But for me, it's better that we undergo the legal process.' Veloso was arrested in Indonesia in 2010 after being duped by recruiters into becoming a drug mule, with 2.6 kilograms of heroin found in her suitcase. She narrowly avoided execution in 2015 due to a last-minute reprieve by Indonesia. After being repatriated to the Philippines in December 2024, she was detained at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City until President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pardoned her on September 26, 2026. Veloso expressed her desire to continue her education through the Department of Education's Alternative Learning System and to start a livelihood business, such as a sari-sari store or farmland, with the support of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). She also emphasized the importance of using social media to help others avoid the dangers she faced, stating, 'We have social media now. Even if you're just staying at home, if you really want to give support to others so that they won't be put in danger, I think I can do that.' The DOJ had recommended to President Marcos that he grant executive clemency to Veloso, considering her case under the principle of 'non-punishment' for human trafficking victims. Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty warned that her case should not be seen as a signal for others to follow, stressing that her journey was difficult and not easy to navigate. Veloso's story highlights the risks of illegal recruitment and the importance of legal processes for OFWs, serving as a cautionary tale for future workers.

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