Balangiga Massacre and the Balangiga Church Bells

In 1901
Saturday, September 28

During the Philippine-American War in the town of Balangiga in Eastern Samar, the Filipinos decided a surprise attack on American soldiers killing 48 of them. The American forces led by Gen. Jacob H. Smith retaliated and ordered to kill and burn the town of Balangiga town in Eastern Samar. His ruthless command said, "Kill everyone over 10" and vowed to turn the town into a "howling wilderness" earned him the nickname "Howling Jake".

The number of town folk killed is estimated at 10,000 people.

The church bells of Balangiga were taken as war trophies and brought to the United States. On December 15, 2018, after 117 years, the Balangiga Bells have been returned and installed back in the San Lorenzo de Martir Parish Church.


Tags: samar, US, massacre, United States, US Army, Balangiga

Source: Wikipedia

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