THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said it is investigating the disappearance of the bust of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in Paris, France.
According to the DFA, the monument—located at Place Jose Rizal in the 9th arrondissement—was believed to have been removed sometime between the night of October 25 and the morning of October 26.
The incident has been reported to French authorities, and the Philippine Embassy in Paris is closely coordinating with local officials to track the missing bust and determine the circumstances surrounding its disappearance.
“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,” the DFA said in a statement.
While the motive remains unclear, the agency noted that public monuments are “often vulnerable to vandalism, destruction, or theft.”
The DFA added that the embassy is working with the Filipino community in Paris to explore all options for recovering or replacing the monument, reaffirming its commitment to honor Rizal’s legacy and the values the bust represents.
