MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Embassy in Paris is working closely with local authorities and the Filipino community in Paris to recover or replace the missing bust of Dr. Jose Rizal.
In a statement released by DFA Spokesperson Angelica Escalona, she confirmed that the Department is aware of the disappearance of the bust of the Philippine’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, located at Place Jose Rizal in the 9th arrondisement in Paris, France.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Philippine Embassy in Paris, regrets the disappearance of Dr. Jose Rizal’s bust, a significant monument for the Filipino community in France, located at Place Jose Rizal in Paris’ 9th arrondissement,” the DFA said.
The DFA believes that the bust was likely removed overnight between the 25th and 26th of October 2025.
According to the DFA, the matter has been promptly reported to local authorities in Paris, with whom the Embassy is coordinating closely to monitor the progress of the investigation.
While the motive behind the removal remains unknown, public monuments are often vulnerable to vandalism or even destruction or theft, the DFA added.
Meanwhile, the Embassy continues to work closely with local authorities and the Filipino community in Paris to pursue all avenues for recovery or replacement, and remains committed to preserving the memory and values that the monument represents.
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 stated.
The bust and pedestal of Rizal was unveiled on 23 June 2022, a project that has been long-awaited by the Filipino community in France, and a “major milestone” for the Philippines and France during the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations during that same year.
“We are proud that Paris is now the latest addition to the long roster of major cities around the world that has a sculpture in honour of the Philippine national hero. This unveiling is a major milestone for the Philippines and France as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations on 26 June. I am confident that this bust of our national hero in Place Jose Rizal will be a must visit site for Filipinos all over the world,” said Philippine Ambassador to France Junever Mahilum-West, during the unveiling ceremony three years ago.
Dr. Jose Rizal first arrived in France in the summer of 1883 and ended up staying for three months before embarking on his studies in Madrid, Spain.
He later returned to train under renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Louis de Wecker in 1885-1886 and then travelled to France intermittently up to 1891 when he finished writing his second novel El Filibusterismo in Biarritz, France.
