Suspected Crime Ring Steals Amorsolo Painting from Silay Heritage Museum

BACOLOD CITY — In a daring theft that has shocked the local community, the Silay City Police Station in Negros Occidental suspects that the perpetrators behind the theft of a Fernando Amorsolo painting are part of an organized crime group. The stolen artwork, “Mango Harvesters,” a 12×18-inch masterpiece created in 1936, was taken from the Hofileña Heritage House and Museum in Barangay 1, Silay City, on July 3.

Suspects Identified in CCTV Footage

Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, chief of Silay police, reported that CCTV footage revealed a man and a woman stealing the painting. They infiltrated a museum tour group of six individuals and left with the painting concealed in a bag just 15 minutes later. The suspects used fake names in the museum’s logbook and provided a fictitious address in Bacolod City.

Meticulously Planned Theft

The suspects, wearing caps and face masks, specifically targeted the prized Amorsolo painting from among other valuable artworks displayed on the second floor of the museum. The room also houses works by other national artists, including Juan Luna, Felix Resurrección Hidalgo, Ang Kiukok, Vicente Manansala, H.R. Ocampo, and Ben Cabrera, along with a sketch by the young Jose Rizal.

Efforts to Recover the Painting

Darroca has coordinated with the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to track down the suspects and has enlisted the help of the cybercrime unit to enhance the CCTV footage for better identification. He believes that the suspects are not local to Negros Occidental. Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego has directed the police to expedite the investigation and recover the stolen artwork.

Reward Offered for Information

The city government of Silay has announced a P25,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the Amorsolo painting. Mayor Gallego has also ordered increased security in local museums to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Community in Shock

City tourism officer Gerle Sulmaca expressed shock and sadness over the incident, noting that this is the first time such a theft has occurred in the city. She announced that 30 police officers have been trained as tourist police in Silay, and additional city personnel will now be assigned to the museum.

Evidence of Premeditation

Rene Hofileña, the museum administrator, indicated that the theft appeared premeditated, as the suspects knew precisely where to find the painting and the timing of the tour.

He urged the public to help recover the stolen artwork.

Art Community’s Appeal

The arts and culture community in Negros Occidental has rallied for the painting’s recovery. Tey Sevilleno, president of the Art Association of Negros and Bacolod, called for collective efforts to secure local museums and recover the stolen Amorsolo painting.

Value of the Stolen Artwork

According to mutualart.com, the value of Amorsolo’s works can range from $93 to $882,251, depending on the size and medium.

About the Hofileña Museum

The Hofileña Museum, a heritage house built in 1934 by Manuel Severino Hofileña and Gilda Ledesma Hojilla, has been a significant cultural site in Silay.

It was managed by cultural tourism advocate Ramon Hofileña until his passing in 2021. The museum remains an important part of the city’s heritage and a symbol of its rich cultural history.