Family heartbroken over stolen plaques at Seattle park

Over the weekend Theresa Guerzon was heartbroken to learn that someone lifted the bronze plaques that were bolted and glued to the rock below.

SEATTLE — It may be tarnished and damaged, but a bust of Dr. Jose Rizal on Seattle’s Beacon Hill is still stands strong. Theresa Guerzon says she’s filed a police report after multiple bronze plaques were pried off, presumably stolen for the value of the metal, disappeared over the weekend.

“I remember her tireless nights, of trying to get this park named,” Guerzon said.

Theresa Guerzon’s mother, Zenaida Guerzon, immigrated from the Philippines to Seattle in the 1960’s. Zenaida spent years working to dedicate this Beacon Hill Park to the man credited with inspiring the Filipino people to gain independence from Spanish rule in the early 1900s. 

“My mom and I went to the Philippines and met with the artist and contracted him and did all paperwork to get this bust here in Seattle,” Guerzon said.

Over the weekend Guerzon was heartbroken to learn that someone lifted the bronze plaques that were bolted and glued to the rock below. 

“I felt really disheartened that this happened because this park has been here since the 70’s. It was dedicated to the Filipino community and named Dr. Jose Rizal in the 70’s,” Guerzon said. 

Thieves didn’t stop there, They made off with a time capsule – thought to be safe locked away inside the pedestal. Guerson filed a police report, hoping someone has information. She fears that the plaques made to honor her heritage have been reduced to molten metal.

“This is actually making a statement because this park actually needs help.”

If you have any information you’re asked to contact the Seattle Police Department. 

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