The Department of Social Welfare and Development extends its warmest congratulations to the people of Balangiga for the return of the Balangiga bells.
These bells were taken from the San Lorenzo de Martir Church in 1901 during the height of the Filipino-American War. The bells were kept in American bases – one in Camp Red Cloud, South Korea and two at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA. During the past years, efforts have been made to recover the bells. These include efforts made during the Ramos and Arroyo administrations.
After 117 years outside the country, the bells have finally returned home, in time for the traditional Simbang Gabi. DSWD Regional Director Restituto Macuto, Disaster Response Management Bureau Director Rodolfo Encabo , and DSWD staff were in attendance during the turnover ceremony to witness this historic event and to share in the joy of the people of Balangiga.
According to President Rodrigo Duterte, “Nobody can claim a singular credit for the generous act of the Americans. The bells are returned. The credit goes to the American people and the Filipino people.”
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