Residents of Balangiga in Eastern Samar this weekend finally had their three historic bells again after they were taken away from their town’s church 117 years ago.
“I am sure that our ancestors are celebrating [with] us here in this remarkable history,” said President Rodrigo Duterte during the formal turnover ceremony at the town public square.
According to Duterte, the return of the bells signified “full restoration of our dignity as a Filipino.”
READ: ‘Duterte call hastened bells’ return’
But he warned that no one should take credit for the return of the bells except the American and Filipino people “through their fervent prayer.”
“Today, we remember our past and look forward at our enduring relationship…We don’t take this friendship for granted,” said Assistant Secretary of US Defense Dr. Philip Felter who represented US Defense Chief James Mattis.
Rev. Crispin Varquez, the bishop of the Diocese of Borongan, thanked the American and Philippine government officials who have been working on the return of the bells.
“Please be assured that we will return the bells to their original purpose, and care and cherish them for its precious legacy,” said Varquez.
He lauded the “faith and heroism” of the Balangiga residents who rose against the American forces on Sept. 28, 1901 which is now famously known as “Balangiga Encounter.”
“The bells bridge us to God and to one another. They are part and parcel of our daily life in this community, courage, heroism love for freedom and democracy. We owe it to our forebears,” the bishop said.
According to Varquez, the arrival of the bells “will help bolster our dignity and socio-economic progress.”
“We courageously express our commitment that we will do everything we can that these bells will not be separated from us again. They will remain in this church. Never again, Balangiga, these bells will be taken away from you,” he added.
“Many Filipinos of good heart and goodwill work tirelessly for decades for the return of the bells… The bells are home now in Balangiga where they belong. These bells are yours,” said John Law, deputy chief of mission of the US Embassy in the Philippines.
“The return of the bells underscores the enduring friendship of our two countries,” said Law as he acknowledged the American veterans groups who also lobbied for the return of the bells.
While he said that the bells “regrettably caught up in the conflict” during the Philippine-American War in 1901, Law said the US and the Philippines had become partners and allies.
“Our relationship has withstood difficulty and it flourishes today,” said the US official.
“The bells’ repatriation underlines deeper appreciation of respect and friendship,” added Romulo Valles, the archbishop of Davao and president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.
Valles then called the turnover ceremony as “a very joyful event.”
READ: 'Balangiga' back in time for 'simba'
Meanwhile, Balangiga Mayor Randy Graza expressed his gratitude for the “magnanimity” of those behind the return of the bells.
“We know what happened to these bells. For over a century, Balangiga waited. The bond between Balangiga and these bells were never broken,” said Graza.
According to Graza, the dream of his townmates “is now finally turned into a reality.”
“The Balangiga bells have returned because of goodwill. The Balangiga bells will not ring again for what it tolled 117 years ago,” the mayor said.
“With their return back to the belfry where they once hang, this sad episode in our nation’s history comes to a close,” reiterated Jude Acidre, second nominee of Tingog Sinirangan and whose family roots come from Balangiga.
According to Acidre, two of his ancestors were among the Filipino soldiers who were in the Balangiga Encounter.
“Both are well-remembered as heroes,” Acidre said.
Earlier, Leyte First District Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez filed a House resolution recognizing the heroism and legacy of the “brave sons” of Balangiga.
Romualdez called for the recognition and commendation of the “bravery, courage, and sacrifice of the unarmed heroes of Balangiga and the Parish of Saint Lawrence, Deacon, and Martyr.”
READ: Balangiga bells bound for Samar from Okinawa