Amorsolo painting stolen from museum in Silay

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The 1936 painting “Mango Harvesters” of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo was stolen by two guests at the Hofileña Museum at Cinco de Noviembre street in Silay City, Negros Occidental.

In a Facebook post, the Silay Heritage issued an appeal for help in the recovery of the painting.

The Silay City government is offering a P25,000 cash reward for information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the painting.

Silay City police chief PLt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca said they have two persons of interest who were seen on security footage stealing the painting from the second floor of the museum.

Initial police investigations 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 registered under false names in the guest logbook, which was submitted to the police for further investigation.

It was also learned by the police that only a tour guide was on duty when the incident took place.

The stolen painting, measuring 12 x 18 inches, was among the collection of the late Ramon Hofileña, a famous art curator in Negros Occidental.

The museum also contains a collection of paintings and sketches by National Artists Juan Luna, Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo, Fernando Amorsolo, Ang Kiukok, Vicente Manansala, H.R. Ocampo and BenCab.

Those who may have information about the missing Amorsolo painting are requested to call the Silay City Police Station at 0998-5987443 or 0998-9674432.