"Isang malakas na tadyak sa ating damdamin. Dapat tayo ay mayroong pakiramdam at ipagtanggol natin ang ating dignidad," Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, Filipino-American Council of Chicago president, said.
The bust was stolen last June 15, four days prior to the Philippine national hero's 154th birthday.
Dr. Crisostomo has called the attention of media outfits and the Chicago authorities over the stolen bust.
"Kami po ay nananawagan dito po sa Rizal Center. Kung gusto nilang tumulong na maibalik at mai-replace itong rebulto ni Rizal ay maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyo," he said.
Filipinos in Chicago say the incident should serve as a reminder to kababayans to give Dr. Rizal the honor he deserves as a national hero.
"The act alone has some symbolic meaning on the importance of Dr. Jose Rizal. Some people don't think that this is as important as we Filipino-American or Asian-American think," said Emelita De Guzman-Breyer, CEO of Breyer Foundation.
Two witnesses who declined to be identified have submitted to authorities the photos they took during the incident. They said the bust was taken by a group of at least 6 teenagers who then brought the bust to a white SUV.
The Rizal Center is offering a $700 reward to whoever can reveal the perpetrators. Those who may have information may call 312-402-4191.
Read more on Balitang America:
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
