The monument of Dr. Jose Rizal at his namesake park in Seattle, Washington, has been vandalized, with several memorial plaques stolen, including one containing a time capsule. The theft is believed to have occurred between October 12 and 13 at the Dr. Jose Rizal Park on Beacon Hill, a significant site for the Filipino American community in the Pacific Northwest.
Tess Guerzon-Cabrera, a leader of the Rizal Park and Bridge Preservation Society, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “I felt really disheartened that this happened because this park has been here since the ‘70s. It was dedicated to the Filipino community,” she told local news outlet KING 5 Seattle.
The park, located at 1008 12th Avenue South, is one of only five parks in the United States named after the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. It holds historical significance for Filipino Americans, with memorials and artworks commissioned by the local community, including the mosaic mural “East is West” by Filipino artist Val Laigo.
Guerzon-Cabrera shared on Facebook that the park is particularly special to her because her mother, Zenaida, was instrumental in naming the park and securing funding for the memorial. She also recalled meeting Filipino sculptor Anastacio Caedo, the artist behind the Rizal bust.
Authorities suspect the stolen copper and bronze plaques may have been sold as scrap metal. Guerzon-Cabrera, who filed a police report, noted, “This park actually needs help,” highlighting the need for better protection and preservation of the site.
The incident has sparked outrage within the Filipino American community. Genoveva Brusola-Hoene, one of many who condemned the vandalism on social media, called on Filipino organizations to seek assistance from the City Council to ensure the park is safeguarded against future incidents.
The Dr. Jose Rizal Park, facing south Downtown and Elliott Bay, has long been a symbol of pride for the local Filipino community, and the recent vandalism has left many feeling heartbroken. “It’s so sad that this happened,” Brusola-Hoene said, echoing the sentiments of many.
