Returning the Bells of Balangiga
On December 11, 2018, at the direction of Secretary James Mattis, the U.S. Department of Defense turned over the three Balangiga bells to the Department of National Defense (DND) of the Philippines at Villamor Air Base, Manila. On Saturday, December 15, the DND turned over the bells to San Lorenzo de Martir Parish Church, Samar, 117 years after these were removed from the church belfry in 1901 during the Philippine-American War.
The return followed years of effort by both Americans and Filipinos to repatriate the bells. The work of US-Philippines Society founding directors Ambassador Frank Wisner, Honorary Consul Henry B. Howard, Dennis Wright, Executive Director Hank Hendrickson, and Society members, Adm Daniel McKinnon and Brian Buzzell, among others, was instrumental as part of a team effort to pave the way for the successful and historic bells’ return to their church in Balangiga.
We are delighted to share select press coverage and photos of the historic event: the Bells’ handover at Villamor Air Base, Manila, the ceremonial turnover to the San Lorenzo de Martir Parish Church, Eastern Samar and the ceremony at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, U.S. on November 14, 2018.
December 15, 2018
President Duterte Thanks American People for Returning the Bells
President Duterte attended the ceremonial handover of the Certificate of Acknowledgement from U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission John Law to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on December 15, 2018 in the Balangiga Auditorium, Samar.
The certificate states “The Republic of the Philippines, represented by the Secretary of National Defense, conveys its appreciation to the United States of America for the return of the Balangiga Bells as a symbol of the long-standing relations between the two countries, one that is based on acknowledgement of our shared histories and our work as close allies to safeguard common interests and democratic values.”
Following the handover, President Duterte addressed the Balangiga town and stakeholders present, noting the “long and tedious process to the point that the outcome has been disappointing sometimes.”
“The long wait is over…The bells are returned. The credit goes to the American people and to the Filipino people. On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank all the stakeholders who contributed to ensure the return of the Balangiga Bells to the country.”
“The homecoming of these artifacts is truly a milestone in the shared and meaningful history of the United States and the Philippines, and heralds a new and more vibrant chapter in our bilateral relations,” the President added.
Balangiga Town Plaza and St. Lorenzo de Martir Parish Church (center), December 15, Eastern Samar. Photo credit: Society Director Henry B. Howard
Balangiga Town Welcomed the Church Bells, December 15, 2018. Photo credit: RTVM, Presidential Communications Operations Office
“Thank you for pulling this off Henry. This is so very, very important to the Philippines,” President Duterte says to Director Henry B. Howard, who representing the US-Philippines Society, greets President Duterte during the return ceremony in Eastern Samar.
December 11, 2018
Balangiga Bells Arrived on December 11 in Villamor Air Base, Manila, Philippines on a U.S. Air Force aircraft C-130 named “The Spirit of MacArthur” a fitting recognition of General Douglas MacArthur’s return 74 years Ago.
In a poignant ceremony, U.S. Admiral Philip Davidson, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Dr. Joseph H. Felter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Southeast Asia, and U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim turned over three church bells 117 years after they were taken. A military brass band played the Philippine national anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” followed by “The Star Spangled Banner.”
“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. 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.”
“On behalf of the United States, it is my great honor to be here at this closing of a painful chapter in our history. 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.”
“The Bells of Balangiga are home now, in the Philippines, where they belong.”- Ambassador Sung Kim.
C-130 The Spirit of MacArthur” Photo credit: US Embassy (Manila)
US Defense Officials led by Ambassador Sung Kim and Philippine Government Officials led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana along with US-Philippines Society Directors Henry B. Howard and Dennis Wright, at Villamor Air Base Turnover Ceremony
The Balangiga Bells Public Exhibit at Villamor Air Base Museum in Manila on December 12-13 before the Bells were flown to Balangiga Church
Video: Ambassador Sung Kim at the Turnover Ceremony, Villamor Air Base
Related Press Coverage: Military Times
Commentary by Ambassador Sung Kim: Returning the Bells
December 8, 2018
Kampana ng Balangiga: Ang Pagbabalik (Bells of Balangiga: The Return)
The Bells of Balangiga are finally scheduled to arrive to its parish church, the San Lorenzo de Martir, in Balangiga, East Samar, on December 15, 2018. Upon its upcoming historic turnover, RTVM presents a 30-minute documentary that includes perspectives from US-Philippines Society directors Dennis Wright, Honorary Consul Henry B. Howard, Executive Director Hank Hendrickson and member Admiral Daniel McKinnon. The video acknowledges US-Philippines Society co-chaired by Ambassador John D. Negroponte and Manuel V. Pangilinan for efforts by dedicated directors including former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Frank Wisner to bring the bells home.
Documentary Video Produced by RTVM, Presidential Communications
November 14, 2018
The US-Philippines Society is pleased to announce that Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis led a ceremony at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY on November 14 to mark the beginning of the process to return the Bells of Balangiga to the Philippines.
Society directors Henry B. Howard and Dennis Wright and USPHS member Brian Buzzell also participated in the event, along with Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez. Click for the full text of Secretary Mattis Address.
The two bells from Warren AFB that were taken from the Philippines in 1901 will soon be returned to their home church in Balangiga, Eastern Samar as a sign of friendship and respect. This historic occasion further reinforces the strong bonds that have developed over the decades between the peoples of America and the Philippines, and that continue into the 21st century as the two nations cooperate in meeting common challenges.
Please click here for more information on the background of the Bells, including the Society’s Board Resolution supporting a return and US-Philippines Society member BELLS Essay By Adm Dan McKinnon.01.20.2019.
U.S Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis leads a ceremony at F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., marking the beginning of the process to return the Balangiga Bells, November 12, 2018, U.S. Department of State Screenshot. Full text: Ceremonial Address of Secretary Mattis.
Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez (right) with USPHS Director Henry B. Howard
L-R: USPHS Member US Navy Cpt (ret) Brian Buzzell, USPHS Director Henry B. Howard, Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, and USPHS Director Dennis Wright
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