Philippines hails ‘miracle’ reprieve as France fights to save citizen

A last-minute reprieve for Filipina drug convict Mary Jane Veloso – who was facing execution in Indonesia along with Australians Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran – has sparked an outpouring of euphoria and disbelief in the Philippines. Veloso’s Filipino lawyer, Edre Olalia, said the Veloso family in Cilacap jumped and shouted for joy when they were informed of the reprieve. In Veloso’s hometown of Cabanatuan city, about hours north of Manila, relatives heaved a heavy sigh of relief.

It’s like a resurrection for us. She is alive. It is like an experience of knowing someone has died and then, just risen.

Catholic priest Harold Toledano, who has been counseling the family

France said Wednesday it was mobilising all diplomatic options in a bid to prevent the imminent execution of Frenchman Serge Atlaoui in Indonesia on drug charges, following the execution of seven foreigners. Both Australia and Brazil oppose capital punishment and have railed against a move by Indonesia to execute eight drug traffickers by firing squad this morning. Australia said it was recalling its ambassador to Jakarta, a step already taken by Brazil over the execution of another prisoner in January.

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