Rejoicing over Balangiga bells
TBy
HE
historic Balangiga bells tolled again on Philippine soil last Dec. 11 following their return by the United States. Balangiga bells are back. Time for patriotic and sentimental Pinoys to rejoice.
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The bells, back in the Philippines 117 years after they were taken as spoils of war by American troops in 1901, arrived at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City aboard a US Air Force C-130 following persistent calls from Pres Duterte and other concerned groups for their return.
Sign of mutual respect, says US. Time for healing, says PH.
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Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Yong Kim signed the certificate of transfer and inspection, formalizing the return of the bells taken from Balangiga town in Eastern Samar, where US soldiers massacred hundreds of Filipinos to avenge the death of their 48 comrades in an ambush staged by Filipino guerrillas on September 28, 1901
“Now, they are home and are going back to (Balangiga) where they belong,” Lorenzana declared.
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“It is a time for healing. It is a time for closure,” Lorenzana said in his remarks at the turnover ceremony attended by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel “Babe”Romualdez, and US Defense Deputy Assistant Secretary Joseph Felter.
“After 117 years, the bells of Balangiga have come home and will once again take their place in the Balangiga Church,” Lorenzana added.
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Lorenzana said the bells of Balangiga encompassed “a dark and painful episode in history which nonetheless teaches a lesson that nobody wins a war.”
The return of the bells to the Philippines by the United States symbolizes the two countries’“shared histories and ideas, new beginnings, renewed friendships, and a stronger brotherhood,” he said.
*** US Ambassador Kim said the history of the bells spans the entire relationship between the United States and the Philippines.
“In the process, they have touched many lives. And their return underscores the enduring friendship between our countries, our shared values, and shared sacrifices,” Kim said. ***
“This solemn ceremony reminds us of the many brave Filipinos and Americans who fought for freedom. In 1901, our two countries were adversaries. That painful conflict soon ended, and our countries became partners and friends,” Kim said.
“We fought together for freedom and to protect democratic values across the Indo-Pacific region. In World War II and in Korea, our soldiers fought, bled, died, and sacrificed side by side. Together they made possible the peace and prosperity we enjoy today,” he added.
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The US ambassador pointed out the return of the Bells of Balangiga allows us to reflect on the US-Philippine relationship – where we have been, where we are, where we are going.
“I am convinced that our relationship remains ironclad, consecrated by the service and sacrifice of the Americans and Filipinos who fought side by side for freedom,” Kim said.
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“Our shared history is enduring and deeply personal. Our relationship has withstood the tests of history and flourishes today. And every day our relationship is further strengthened by our unbreakable alliance, robust economic partnership, and deep people-to-people ties.
“The Bells’ return reflects the strong bonds and mutual respect between our nations and our peoples. It demonstrates our determination to honor the past and the sacrifices made together by Filipinos and Americans. And it heralds our bright future as friends, partners, and allies,” Kim declared.