THE National Museum of the Philippines received National Artist Fernando Amorsolo’s 1936 painting “Mango Harvesters” from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for purposes of assessment. The said artwork is alleged to be the piece involved in a theft incident from the Hofileña Museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental that was reported last July 3, 2024.
Director-General Jeremy Barns was able to personally inspect the painting and assure the NBI that the painting is indeed the object that was stolen. 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.
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 who were involved in the theft of this valuable piece of the nation’s cultural and artistic heritage.
