In the succeeding months, several controversial and unfounded theories regarding the theft were published in some newspapers. Finally, a "recovery committee" was convened: Msgr. Baraquiel Mojica, Bishop Cirilo Almario, Bishop Felix Perez, Assemblyman Rogelio Peyuan, Judge Candido Villanueva, Tony Nazareno, Angel Silverio and several others. They posted a cash reward of P30,000.00 for anyone who could provide substantial leads to the stolen image. The prize money was raised to P50,000.00 after some time. These efforts towards recovering the image sustained in the Caviteños' the hope the Virgin would one day be recovered.