MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said it is coordinating with French authorities in Paris for the retrieval or replacement of a bust of Filipino hero and novelist Jose Rizal that has been missing at a park for more than a week.
DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona, in a statement to reporters, confirmed the disappearance of the Rizal bust around the night of Oct. 25 or 26 from Place Jose Rizal at a park intersecting the streets of rue de Maubeuge, rue Choron, and rue Rodier in the 9th district of Paris, where the late national hero reportedly stayed during his travels to this European country from 1883 to 1891.
“The matter has been promptly reported to local authorities in Paris, with whom the embassy is coordinating closely to monitor the progress of the investigation,” said Escalona.
“While the motive behind the removal remains unknown, public monuments are often vulnerable to vandalism or even destruction or theft. The embassy continues to work closely with local authorities and the Filipino community in Paris to pursue all avenues for recovery or replacement,” she added.
Cherished landmark
Escalona explained that it took some time before the Philippine government announced the incident to the public as the Philippine Embassy had to confirm details from French authorities.
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