The Balangiga Bells

I posted this article in my fb page on December 11, 2018 after the bells of Balangiga were returned by the Americans after 117 years. Thank you former President Rodrigo Duterte for demanding for the bells return...

"It finally happened after 117 years. The Balangiga Bells are home at last! 

The bells became spoils of war and were brought to the United States when the Americans retaliated after some troops were killed by Filipinos in what is known in history as the Balangiga Massacre. 

I have written three articles for Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition) Series 1 and 2 that featured the Balangiga Massacre. 

Together with the Filipino nation, I am thankful that the waiting is over. The bells have arrived today! (12.11.18)"

Photo credit: ABS-CBN News Online and GMA News

The Balangiga Massacre

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 28, 1901

The Balangiga Massacre started when 500 bolomen led by Valeriano Abanador, the chief of  police of the town of Balangiga in Samar, attacked Company C of the US 9th Infantry Regiment. 

Church bells earlier pealed, signaling the men to attack the American garrison. Abanador and Capt. Eugenio Daza, a staff member of Gen. Vicente Lukban planned the attack. 

Of the 74 soldiers, 48 were killed or unaccounted for, 22 were wounded, and 4 escaped. 

Pres. Theodore Roosevelt ordered Gen. Adna R. Chaffee, military governor of the Philippines to pacify Samar.   

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: wikipedia.org