Balangiga Bells return to Philippines after 117 years as U.S. war trophies

Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The Balangiga Bells -- a memento from United States' military victory more than a century ago -- were returned to the Philippines Tuesday.

The bells were taken by U.S. troops as war trophies during the Philippine-American war in 1901 and have been on display at military posts in Wyoming and South Korea.

In a special ceremony Tuesday at Villamor Air Base in Manila, the Balangiga Bells were officially turned over to the Philippine government.

"The history of these bells spans the entire relationship between the United States and the Philippines. In the process, they have touched many lives," said U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim. "Their return underscores the enduring friendship, partnership and alliance between our countries."

Nearly 50 U.S. soldiers were killed in the assault on Balangiga on Sept. 28, 1901. When it was over, soldiers stole three bells from the San Lorenzo de Martir Church in Balangiga.

The Philippine government has been asking for them back since 1993 -- and Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte made a passionate plea for their return during his state of the union address in 2017.

"I was there and heard his passionate call loud and clear," Sung said, adding that the handover closes a painful chapter in U.S. history.

"Every day our relationship is further strengthened by our unbreakable alliance, robust economic partnership and deep people-to-people ties," he said. "The bells are now back where they belong."