Veloso, along with nine prisoners from Indonesia and other countries, were scheduled to die by firing squad for drug-related cases last April. Veloso’s case stemmed from the discovery by Indonesian authorities of 2.6 kilograms (5.7 pounds) of heroin found in her suitcase.
The discovery led to her arrest and after months of court trial, Veloso was found guilty and sentenced to die by firing squad. But in the course of the trial, Veloso maintained her innocence, claiming that she was unaware of the illegal drugs found in her suitcase at the airport by Indonesian authorities.
Pacquiao, who is traveling to Indonesia to film an advert. made a short visit to Wirogunan prison on the main island of Java where Veloso is detained.
During the 30-minute meeting, Veloso broke down in tears while praying with Pacquiao and wife Jinkee, according to a government official who witnessed the meeting.
“They swapped gifts, with Veloso giving Pacquiao a blue scarf emblazoned with his nickname ‘Pacman,’ and the boxer giving her money. However prison officials said they would keep the money for her as it was against the rules for inmates to have cash. They did not say how much it was,” AFP writes.
Pacquiao, who was scheduled to meet with Indonesian president Joko Widodo after his meeting with Veloso, said he believes Veloso is a victim of human trafficking and hopes to save her life.
“We’re hoping to help save Mary Jane’s life, I think Mary Jane is a victim of human-trafficking,” Pacquiao said
Veloso’s life was spared during the mass execution by firing squad last April following the arrest of her recruiter who is suspected to be linked with the international syndicate using drug mules to transport illegal drugs to international destinations.
The suspects are now in police custody in the Philippines and appropriate charges are reported to have been filed in court.
