Negros cops to file raps vs 2 suspects in Amorsolo painting theft

FROM NEGROS TO QC The recovery of the Fernando Amorsolo painting “Mango Harvesters,” presented to reporters by National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago on Friday, is important for Silay City and Negros Occidental as the masterpiece has been considered a community treasure. The 88-year old artwork of the Filipino master was stolen from Hofileña Museum in Silay on July 3.—NESTOR CORRALES

BACOLOD CITY — Police investigators are filing theft charges against the two persons who stole the 88-year-old painting by national artist Fernando Amorsolo from the Hofileña Museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anthony Darroca, Silay City police chief, said the charges would be filed within the week against the male suspect from Iloilo who had been identified, and an unidentified woman, before the Silay City Prosecutor’s Office.

The two suspects are still at large.

READ: One suspect in theft of Amorsolo painting identified in Negros Occidental

Based on the investigation, the suspects pretended to be tourists, and stole the 1936 “Mango Harvesters” painting by Amorsolo on July 3, by placing it in a tote bag as shown in a close-circuit television (CCTV) footage provided by the Hofileña Museum.

The painting was transported by commercial plane to Metro Manila.

Darroca said the two suspects, who stole the painting, were different from those arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for attempting to sell it on Friday, July 12 in Quezon City.

The NBI recovered the Amorsolo painting in an entrapment operation after they received information that a certain “Atty. Ching” was selling it for P3.5 million.

The NBI on Friday, July 12, proceeded to the target area at Tomas Morato, Quezon City, and arrested Ritz Chona Castro Ching and Donecio Escobia Somaylo, who delivered the painting for sale on instructions of “Atty. Ching,” said NBI Director Jaime Santiago.

READ: Amorsolo painting stolen from museum

The two will face charges of violating the Anti-Fencing Law.

Jeremy Barns, director general of the National Museum, pegged the painting’s market value at P8 million to P12 million.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Friday thanked law enforcers and all those responsible for the recovery of the painting.

“This serves as a reminder for us to remain vigilant in protecting and ensuring the preservation of our cultural treasures,” he said.