MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has thanked the Indonesian government for turning over the custody of Mary Jane Veloso to the national government but a lawmaker has called on the department to provide legal aid to free more Filipinos held abroad.

In a statement, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo thanked Indonesia for allowing Mary Jane Veloso to return home before Christmas and noted that her turnover is a “mark of trust and friendship” between the Philippines and Indonesia.

“Their generosity has made possible this momentous day of Ms. Veloso’s return to the Philippines,” Manalo said.

Veloso was arrested in 2010 at Yogyakarta’s Adisucipto International Airport for carrying over 2.6 kilograms of heroin.

She was sentenced to death in Indonesia but was granted a last minute reprieve in 2015 after former President Noynoy Aquino broke diplomatic protocols and requested then-Indonesian President Joko Widodo to let her testify against a human and drug-smuggling syndicate who recruited her.

Following the return of Veloso, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called on the DFA to provide legal assistance for Filipinos detained overseas, following the repatriation of Veloso. 

Escudero said Veloso’s case highlights the need to focus on Filipinos facing legal issues abroad.

“I hope that Mary Jane’s repatriation is only the first of many Filipinos similarly situated in various parts of the world,” he said, urging the DFA to provide an accounting of Filipinos detained overseas and ensure they receive adequate support.

He likewise urged the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers to work together to assist Filipinos facing legal troubles abroad. 

“They should find out the nature of the cases against them, explore ways to help them regain their liberty, and provide assistance to make their detention more bearable,” he said.

He proposed that the government consider treaties with other countries to allow Filipinos convicted abroad to serve their sentences in the Philippines, enabling them to be closer to their families.

Veloso was reunited with her family at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City where she is currently staying. 

Her repatriation spared her from the death penalty, as the Philippines does not have such a law.

Her lawyers and family are calling the Marcos government to grant the death-row prisoner with executive clemency.

The Philippine government has yet to address what lies ahead for Veloso.