• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A P25,000 reward was given to the informant who provided the information that led to the recovery of the painting of national artist Fernando Amorsolo that was stolen from a private museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental, Mayor Joedith Gallego disclosed on Tuesday.
The P25,000 reward was personally offered by Gallego, for the recovery of the 88-year-old painting of Amorsolo titled “Mango Harvesters.”
Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation-Special Task Force (NBI-STF) arrested two suspects on July 11, for attempting to sell the stolen Amorsolo painting, during an entrapment operation in Quezon City.
In a statement, NBI director Jaime Santiago disclosed that the stolen 1936 painting was being sold for P3.5 million.
The painting was stolen on July 3 from the museum of Hofileña family at Cinco de Noviembre Street in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who congratulated the NBI and Philippine National Police, among others, for its successful recovery, said “this successful operation is a proud moment and a testament to unwavering dedication, relentless investigative efforts, and outstanding coordination of our law enforcement agencies.”
The 88-year-old masterpiece is said to be valued at P10 million.
“This will serve as a reminder for Negrenses to remain vigilant in protecting and ensuring the preservation of our cultural treasures,” Lacson said.*
