BACOLOD CITY – The Art Association of Bacolod-Negros has called on the art community to join them in their plea for the safe return of the stolen Fernando Amorsolo Mango Harvesters painting from the Hofileña Museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental on July 3.

THE Hofileña heritage house in Silay City, Negros Occidental  where the 1936 Mango Harvesters painting of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo was displayed and stolen on July 3. (Photo courtesy of Ihvonie “Tey” Sevilleno)

Ihvonie “Tey” Sevilleno, president of the Art Association of Bacolod-Negros, in a statement, expressed their deep concern and resolve to address the recent theft of a significant piece of Philippine art history from the private museum.

“The recent theft has not only shocked and angered us but has also deprived future generations of the opportunity to experience and draw inspiration from these works first-hand,” Sevilleno said.

Sevilleno said they had the privilege of witnessing Amorsolo's masterpiece in Negros, alongside other treasures by Filipino masters through the generosity of the Hofileña family.

Their commitment to sharing these national treasures has inspired countless artists and art lovers alike, she said.

“As guardians of our cultural heritage, we urgently appeal to our community to unite in efforts to return this invaluable artwork to its rightful home,” Sevilleno said.

Let us stand together in safeguarding our cultural legacy and ensuring that these precious artworks continue to inspire and educate for generations to come, she added.

The 88-year-old painting on exhibit on the second floor of the museum, which was also the ancestral house of the Hofileña family, was stolen by two persons, who posed as tourists.

A police report said the oil painting created in 1936 is valued at P50 million. 

Police said one of the two suspects was identified through a pedicab driver who transported them to the city public plaza where they boarded a passenger jeepney to this city.

Silay Mayor Joedith Gallego has offered a cash reward of P25,000 for any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the stolen artwork.

Silay Vice Mayor Thomas Ledesma, in a statement, said that this unfortunate incident will surely have a huge impact to the City of Silay because this house is under the Heritage Area Zone.

The city is known for conservation of culture, arts, and heritage and it certainly hurts us when mindless individuals commit this crime, Ledesma said.

“It is an insult to the dedication of local artist Ramon Hofileña, who personally collected art from the Filipino renowned art masters to share with his fellow Silaynons and Negrenses.” 

“That is why this has become personal to us,” he said.

Ledesma said that the incident needs to be investigated thoroughly and assured that the city government will see to it that they get to the bottom of this incident to prevent this from happening to any of their local museums.