Mary Jane Veloso, who received a last-minute reprieve from execution by firing squad in 2015, is due to depart Indonesia in the early hours of Wednesday, December 18, on a flight to Manila after years of negotiations between the Southeast Asian neighbors.
In tears, Veloso thanked God as well as Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that she was finally able to return home.
At the airport, representatives from Indonesia and the Philippines governments signed a document transfer to mark the official handover.
Indonesia said it would respect any decision made by the Philippines, including if Veloso was given clemency.
The former domestic helper and mother of two was arrested in the city of Yogyakarta in 2010 after being found with 2.6 kg (5.73 lb) of heroin concealed in a suitcase. She said she was an unwitting drug mule, but she was convicted and sentenced to death.
REUTERS/KOMPAS TV