Jakarta (CNN Indonesia) — Famous Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao visited death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso in Penitentiary Wirogunan, Yogyakarta, Friday (July 10).
The meeting did not last long because Pacquiao needed to return to Jakarta immediately. Pacquiao, who was accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Lumen Banzon Insleta, met with Veloso for about 30 minutes.
“Mary sempat menangis saat Manny datang,“ Veloso’s lawyer Agus Salim told CNN Indonesia.
[Translation: “Mary cried when Manny came to visit.”]
Veloso was touched that anyone would want to visit her in prison.
Related: DOJ to file criminal cases against Veloso’s alleged recruiters
After the conversation, the two joined together for a prayer. When Pacquiao said goodbye to Veloso, the two then exchanged gifts.
“Mary memberikan syal dengan tulisan ‘Manny’ di atasnya, sementara Manny memberikan bingkisan yang belum diketahui apa isinya,” said Salem.
[Translation: “Mary gave the scarf with the inscription ‘Manny’ on it, while Manny gave a gift that we do not know what’s inside yet.”]
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Pacquiao has long intended to meet Veloso. Last April, Pacquiao, in one appearance on television, asked Indonesia President Jokowi to suspend the death sentence against Veloso.
Pacquiao, who was then about to fight with Floyd Mayweather, took advantage of the moment to talk about Veloso.
“Mr. President, I will fight May 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a fight against Mayweather which is said to be the biggest fight of the century. For me, it would be a huge morale boost if my small actions could save someone’s life,” said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao eventually lost to Mayweather, but kept his promise to visit Veloso.
