By MAJ VICENTE JOSE VERA CHS
The Balangiga Bells are owned by the Diocese of Borongan, Eastern Samar. It was taken by the United States Forces following the Balangiga incident in 1901. The First Bell has a mouth diameter of 31 ½ inches and 30 inches in height. It bears the Augustinian emblem with an “R. Francisco” inscription. The Second Bell probably acquired in 1889 bears the Franciscan emblem with an inscription of the name, “Fr. Agustin Delgado.” The mouth of the bell has a diameter of 27 ¾ inches and 27 ½ inches in height. These bells are now in Wyoming, USA. The third bell acquired by Fr. Bernardo Aparecio with estimated size of 23-24 inches in height and mouth diameter of 20 inches is now kept at the 9th United States Infantry Regiment in Cap Red Cloud, South Korea.
The worst defeat of the United States Army since the battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876 happened in Balangiga, Eastern Samar. The Filipinos regard the attack as one of their bravest in the war against superior forces of the US Army.
In the Filipino culture, bells are used to signal the beginning of a mass. At six in the evening everybody stops and faces towards the direction of the church for the Angelus. At twelve the bell rings for prayer, lunch and time for rest. At eight in the evening the bell rings for prayer for the poor souls in purgatory. Practically the bell is the clock of the town. It was likewise useful when warning people during calamities like fire. According to the history, the Bells of Balangiga were tolled to signal the surprised attack by the Filipino forces while the Americans were eating breakfast.
The church, mortuary and bell are interconnected when we talk about death. Church is where last rite of the Christian burial is being administered by the priest for the departing soul. While on the wake waiting for the burial and for the family to arrive the coffin is placed in the mortuary. At funeral mass the bell toiled to inform the community to pray for a departing soul.
To give honor to the Filipino patriots who gave up their lives for total independence of the New Republic, the PSG Mortuary will be called as “Balangiga Hall.”
