BALANGIGA, Eastern Samar — After 117 long years, the historic church bells of Balangiga in Eastern Samar were brought home to end one of the darkest chapters of history between the United States and the Philippines. US soldiers took three of church bells from Balangiga as war trophies in 1901 after razing the town and killing thousands of Filipinos, avenging a surprise attack that left 48 of their comrades dead. On Saturday, the bells were finally handed over to Balangiga officials and church leaders after delivery to the Philippines early this week. Children of the town also waved bell-shaped signs as euphoric residents in Balangiga gathered to welcome home the three bells. He added that because of the return of the bells, town residents were like “walking in the clouds.”The Philippine government, the Catholic Church, and Balangiga residents had been seeking the recovery of the bells since the 1950s.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 15, 2018 10:18 UTC