The culprits behind the theft of the 88-year-old painting by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo at the Hofileña Museum in Silay City should not be allowed to get away with it scot free, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Thursday, July 25.
Lacson said he discussed the status of the case with Col. Rainerio de Chavez, Negros Occidental police director, on Thursday.
Charges should be filed against the culprits to prevent them from committing another heist, Lacson said.
The police are “hoping that the family is willing to proceed with the case,” he said.
A source said the family was filing charges against the suspects.
The male and female who stole the “Mango Harvesters” painting by Amorsolo from the museum on July 3 are still at-large although the police have already established the identity of one of suspects.
Two other persons who attempted to sell the painting in Quezon City were arrested by National Bureau of Investigation agents.
The NBI also recovered the painting.
Jeremy Barns, director general of the National Museum, pegged the painting’s market value at P8 to P12 million.*