By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The National Museum of the Philippines announced on Friday, July 12, 2024, that the Fernando Amorsolo painting, allegedly stolen a week ago, has been recovered.
The museum received the “Mango Harvesters” painting from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for assessment.
Following the inspection, Director-General Jeremy Barns confirmed to the NBI that the painting was indeed the stolen artwork. 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 of the Philippines stated.
“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 involved in the theft of this valuable piece of the nation’s cultural and artistic heritage,” it added.
The artwork was reported stolen from the Hofileña Museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental on July 3.
(el Amigo/mnm)
