NBI joins hunt for missing image of child Jesus

The National Bureau of Investigation has joined the probe into the theft of the 300-year-old image of the Child Jesus from the historic San Agustin church in Intramuros, Manila.

Fr. Pedro Galende, director of the San Agustin church and museum said he requested the NBI to send agents to help in the recovery of the Sto. Niño.

NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco said he would be tapping the National Capital Region division under lawyer Edmund Arugay to conduct the investigation.

"We will extend assistance to the church to help recover the image of the child Jesus," Wycoco said.

Earlier, Western Police District director chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong ordered the WPD Theft and Robbery Section to check all antique shops in Malate and Ermita, where the stolen parts of the Sto. Niño could have been sold by the thieves.

Sen. Robert Barbers, a Sto. Niño devotee, has also offered a P250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the thieves and the recovery of the Sto. Niño.

"No callers yet. I think the image will eventually find its way to collectors, but not immediately," Galende said.

The Sto Niño’s head, arms and legs, all made of ivory, as well as his gold shoes were stolen last Feb. 13 by thieves who hid in the church confessional. They left the silver crown, the torso and the clothes, made from ordinary materials.

— Cecille Suerte Felipe, Jose Aravilla