• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the recovery of the stolen Fernando Amorsolo painting should serve as a reminder for Negrenses to remain vigilant in “protecting and ensuring the preservation of our cultural treasures.”
The 88-year-old “Mango Harvesters” artwork, which was looted from a private museum in Silay City on July 3, was recovered by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation-Special Task Force (NBI-STF) from two suspects who attempted to sell it during an entrapment operation in Quezon City on July 11.
In a statement, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said that the stolen 1936 painting, valued at P10 million, was being sold by the suspects for P3.5 million.
Lacson, who congratulated the NBI, the Philippine National Police, and other agencies involved for its successful recovery, said “this successful operations is a proud moment and a testament to unwavering dedication, relentless investigative efforts, and outstanding coordination of our law enforcement agencies.”
In a statement on its Facebook page on Friday, the National Museum of the Philippines said it received the 1936 painting from the NBI for purposes of assessment.
National Museum Director-General Jeremy Barns was able to personally inspect the painting and assured the NBI that the painting is indeed the object that was stolen. He then issued a certification to this effect at the request of the NBI.
“We congratulate the NBI for safely retrieving the stolen painting and reaffirm our commitment to assisting our law enforcement agencies in any appropriate way,” the National Museum said.
“We look forward to the return of ‘Mango Harvesters’ to its rightful owners and home at the Hofileña Museum, and to the successful prosecution of all persons who were involved in the theft of this valuable piece of the nation’s cultural and artistic heritage,” it added.
The two suspects, Ritz Chona Ching and Donecio Somaylo, who tried to sell the painting to undercover agents, have been charged, the NBI said. | GB/PNA
