Lightning beheads Rizal statue in Biñan monument

The statue of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at his monument in Biñan, Laguna appeared to have lost its head after it was struck by lightning on Tuesday, a Facebook post by Biñan Mayor Len Alonte-Naguiat showed.

Naguiat shared a photo of the said monument with its head missing.

"Today marks a downcast for Biñan's heritage. Yesterday, the century-old Jose Rizal Monument in Biñan Plaza (believed to be sculpted by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino) was struck by lightning during the heavy rainfall," Naguiat said on Facebook.

The monument is located at the center of the town plaza. It is surrounded by the Biñan Church, the City Hall, and commercial establishments as well as the historical Alberto House where Rizal stayed.

She added that local government of Biñan is working with the local and national agencies to restore the monument.

"May this serve as an example that any Act of Nature is not a hindrance to continue working on the preservation of our heritage - whether it be cultural or structural," Naguiat said.

As a young boy, Rizal went to Biñan where he received his first formal education from Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz. —Trisha Macas/NB, GMA News