• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday ordered the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office to do everything possible to recover the stolen painting of national artist Fernando Amorsolo worth millions of pesos.
The 1936 painting of Amorsolo with the title “Mango Harvesters” was on display at the museum owned by the Hofileña family at Cinco de Noviembre Street in Silay City.
Lacson said the police are following up on some leads in their investigation.
He asked PCol. Rainerio de Chavez, NOCPPO provincial police director, to regularly update him in their investigation into the theft incident, which reportedly took place on July 3.
“We would like to recover that very valuable piece of art,” Lacson said.
The stolen painting, with a measurement of 12 x 18 inches, was part of the collection of the late Ramon Hofileña, a famous art curator in Negros Occidental.
PLt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, Silay City police chief, said they are also coordinating with the Bacolod City Police Office to track down the two suspects.
The Silay City government is offering P25,000 for anyone who may provide information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen painting.
Asked if the provincial government will also put up a reward to hasten the recovery of the precious stolen painting, Lacson said “I don’t think the province can ever offer an amount that is commensurate with the value of such a piece of art.”
We are now banking on the expertise of our PNP to trace the possible suspects, the governor added.
The initial police investigation showed that the two suspects joined a group of six guests during a 15-minute tour at the private museum on July 3.
The suspects logged fictitious names in the guest logbook.
It was learned by the police that only a tour guide was on duty when the incident took place.
The Hofileña museum also contains a collection of paintings and sketches by national artists Juan Luna, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Fernando Amorsolo, Ang Kiukok, Vicente Manansala, H.R. Ocampo, and BenCab.
Those who may have information on the missing Amorsolo painting may call the Silay City Police Station at 09985987443 or 09989674432.*
