By CESAR JOLITO III

Authorities are investigating the disappearance of the bronze historical marker from the century-old Tindalo Tree at the Bacolod City Public Plaza — a cultural landmark that symbolizes the city’s founding and its ties to Philippine history.

City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu confirmed that the General Services Office reported the missing marker on October 13, prompting an official probe in coordination with the Bacolod City Police Office.

“We take this matter seriously because the marker is not just metal — it’s a piece of Bacolod’s heritage,” Chiu said.

“We are appealing to junk shop owners and the public to help us recover it and refrain from trading historical items like this,” he added.

City officials are now reviewing plaza security footage and tightening monitoring of heritage sites to prevent similar incidents.

“The loss is a painful reminder of the need to better protect our historical landmarks,” Chiu added.

“The Tindalo Tree is part of Bacolod’s identity, and the marker connects generations of Bacolodnons to their roots,” he added.

The bronze marker, which went missing earlier this month, commemorates the inauguration of Bacolod as a city on October 19, 1938.

It was installed beside the Tindalo Tree, planted by former President Manuel L. Quezon and then Mayor Alfredo Montelibano Sr., symbolizing the birth and progress of Bacolod as a chartered city.

The city government is also coordinating with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines regarding possible restoration or replacement of the marker once the investigation concludes./CJ, WDJ