Jose Rizal bust in Paris goes missing

The bust of Dr. Jose Rizal in Paris, France has gone missing.

According to a statement by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday, the Philippine Embassy in France confirmed the disappearance of the bust.

The DFA said that the embassy is now coordinating with local authorities and with the Filipino community for the possible recovery or replacement efforts.

The bust, located in Paris’ 9th arrondissement, is believed to have been removed sometime between October 25 and October 26.

“The bust of Dr. José Rizal served as a cherished landmark for Filipinos in Paris and a symbol of enduring friendship between the Philippines and France. While the motive behind the removal remains unknown, public monuments are often vulnerable to vandalism or even destruction or theft,” read the statement.

The bust of Dr. Jose Rizal in Paris was unveiled in 2022, through the efforts of a partnership between the Filipino community in France and the local city government of Paris and the 9th arrondissement.

It was mounted in time for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between the Philippines and France. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News