THE Philippine Embassy in France has confirmed that the bust of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was stolen from its pedestal at Place José Rizal in Paris, three years after its inauguration in the historic 9th arrondissement.
Philippine Ambassador to France Eduardo José de Vega said the deputy mayor of Paris has reached out to the embassy and assured them that the city government is investigating the art theft.
‘The city government of Paris is investigating the matter, and we are awaiting their report. We appreciate their timely response to our request,’ de Vega told BusinessMirror.
The bronze sculpture was unveiled in June 2022 at the plaza named after Rizal, near the site where he studied ophthalmology under Dr. Louis de Wecker in 1885-1886. It remains the only public monument in Paris dedicated to a Filipino figure.
Paris-based journalist Richard Villanueva said members of the Filipino community noticed the bust missing days after the Louvre heist made headlines.
Prior to the theft, the monument had also been subject to repeated acts of vandalism, including the placement of masks, books, and other inappropriate items on the bust.
The embassy said it is closely coordinating with French authorities and the Filipino community in Paris to monitor developments.