DPWH: Missing Ninoy and Evelio Javier statues are in storage

After Buhay Partylist representative Lito Atienza spoke out about the statues of Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino and Antique Governor Evelio Javier going missing from the Roxas Boulevard Baywalk, the Department of Public Works and Highways director Melvin Navarro said that the statues are in storage.

"Nasa amin 'yun for safekeeping kasi vinandalize 'yung dalawa, then natumba sila. We wrapped them properly at naka-safe keep sa amin," he said in a phone interview with GMA News.

The statues were removed from their original position during the Baywalk's rehabilitation last May. According to Navarro, they intended to make the sculptures along the promenade uniform. However, after the rehabilitation was done, they fell short of funds to build the base for the monuments.

Navarro admitted that the statues will not be in place by February 11, Javier's death anniversary, or the EDSA People Power commemoration on February 25. — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News