By Jelly Musico/PNA
MANILA — Like the rest of Filipinos, Malacañang on Sunday expressed enthusiasm for the much-awaited arrival of the Balangiga Bells which were taken away as “war booty” by American soldiers during the Filipino-American War over a century ago.
“The Palace enthusiastically awaits the arrival of the Balangiga Bells to the country on Tuesday, December 11,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Panelo said no less than President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to lead the scheduled handover of the historic bells by the United States to the Philippines on Tuesday at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
During his second State of the Nation Address last year, Duterte demanded the return of the three Balangiga bells taken from Balangiga town in Eastern Samar 117 years ago.
“We consider the occasion as an affirmation of our strong and enduring relations with our long-standing ally, the United States, as we thank them for this gesture that would formally put a closure to a tragic and contentious episode in both our countries’ history,” Panelo said.
A separate program for the repatriation of the bells will be held on Dec. 15 in Balangiga town.
