Joy As US-seized Bells Ring Again On Philippine Soil
Sumaira FH Published December 15, 2018 | 06:10 PM
A sleepy central Philippine town erupted in joy on Saturday as bells looted from its church more than a century ago by vengeful US troops were turned over to the community, and rang once again on their home soil.
Children waving bell-shaped signs and tearful residents in Balangiga welcomed home the three bells that are a deep local source of pride, and which the US flew to Manila this week after decades of urging by the Philippines.
"Nobody, but nobody, can claim a singular credit for the generous act of the Americans," Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said after ringing one of the bells before a crowd of thousands that included US and church officials.
"The bells are returned. The credit goes to the American people and to the Filipino people -- period," he said, striking a rare positive tone regarding the nation's former colonial master.
American troops carted away the bronze objects as trophies, after razing the town and killing potentially thousands of Filipinos, in reprisal for a surprise 1901 attack that left 48 of their comrades dead.
For the people of Balangiga the bells are a symbol of the Philippines' long struggle for independence, and a dark chapter which is the subject of an annual re-enactment and remembrance event locally.
"It's not just me but the whole town is walking in the clouds because the bells are finally with us," 81-year-old Nemesio Duran told AFP.
"We are the happiest people on Earth now," he added, noting he is descended from the boy who rang one of the bells, long said to have signalled the attack on the Americans.
The return of the bells prompted a massive street party in Balangiga with singing,children waving bell-shaped placards and even vendors selling wooden souvenir bells and T-shirts.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Indian board makes important statement
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 7 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 07 May 2024
Sharjah Animation Conference explores cross-cultural collaboration opportunities ..
Sharjah Public Library provides countless opportunities for young imaginations t ..
Sharjah Police launches 'Your belongings, your responsibility' awareness campaig ..
Dubai Police displays Innovative Tourism Security Services at 'ATM 2024'
Mohammad Haris, Aamir Jamal not part of national squad for Ireland, England: Bab ..
Erdogan opens former church to Muslim worshippers
Cultural events hallmark of a nation, Director RAC
Iraq hangs 11 convicted of 'terrorism': security, health sources
Stocks rise on renewed hopes of rate cuts
More Stories From World
-
Flat-out: Hirscher boosts skiing in mountainless Netherlands
3 minutes ago -
US soldier detained in custody in Russia for theft
13 minutes ago -
China hospital attack leaves two dead, 21 wounded
13 minutes ago -
Russia to hold US soldier in custody till July for theft
23 minutes ago -
Nintendo says announcement on Switch successor 'this fiscal year'
33 minutes ago -
Rescuers search for survivors after deadly S.African building collapse
43 minutes ago
-
Five dead, dozens trapped in South Africa building collapse
1 hour ago -
Saudi showcases spectacular summer escape at ATM 2024
1 hour ago -
Russia ramps up Ukraine offensive ahead of arms boost
1 hour ago -
China Airlines' Inaugural Flight Lands, in partnership with Saudi Air connectivity initiative
1 hour ago -
5.2 magnitude quake hits South of Java, Indonesia
2 hours ago -
Gazans at great risk amid huge unexploded weapons in enclave, warn demining experts
2 hours ago