The monument was destroyed in December 2002, with the New People's Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, taking credit for its destruction.

The bust was constructed by the Philippine Tourism Authority and was meant to be the centerpiece of the 300-hectare (740-acre) Marcos Park that would include a golf course, sports club, convention center, and hotel.

Sculptor Anselmo B. Dayag who built the Eagle of the North (Agoo, La Union) and Lion's Head (Kennon Road, Baguio) was chosen to design and carve the bust.

Prior to the sculptors' demise, scaffolding covered with plywood was reportedly erected to deliberately hide the bust's construction from the public.

[6][7][8][9] The Ibaloi in the affected area were said to have been displaced due to the bust's construction, having been forced to sell their lands for outrageously low prices.

[6] In 2001, the Philippine Tourism Authority sued the Ibaloi who had reoccupied their ancestral lands, claiming rights over Marcos Park.

Benguet Governor Raul Mencio Molintas said that the police learned that a white Toyota FX van was around the area prior to the incident.