ART HEIST Measuring 12 inches by 18 inches, “Mango Harvesters,” a painting by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo from 1936, has been reported stolen from the Hofileña Museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental. Security cameras showed the painting being taken by two visitors around 10 a.m. on July 3. — Images from the Leon Gallery website/Carla P. Gomez
BACOLOD CITY — The owner of the museum where the 88-year-old painting by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo was stolen has decided to file complaints against at least two persons who were linked to the daylight theft.
The lawyer of the Hofileña family of Silay City, along with the local police, met with the Silay City Prosecutor on July 25 to discuss the case, according to Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, Silay police chief.
Darroca said their investigation shows that the male and female who stole the painting on July 3 are from Iloilo.
They have identified the male suspect and are establishing the real name of his female companion.
The police located the house of the two suspects in Iloilo but they were no longer around when authorities visited the place.
“We just need a few more minor documents to file the theft charges,” Darroca said.
The “Mango Harvesters” painting was stolen at the Hofileña Museum in Silay City.
The painting valued by the National Museum at P8 to P12 million was recovered by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Quezon City when two persons attempted to sell it on July 12.
The two other persons who attempted to sell the painting in Quezon City were arrested by the NBI.
However, the thieves who stole the painting from the Hofileña Museum are still at large.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the thieves should not be allowed to get away with it scot-free.
“Charges should be filed against the culprits to prevent them from committing another heist,” he said.