MANILA (December 14)– The historic Balangiga Bells arrived ahead its supposed turn-over in Guiuan, Eastern Samar at about 10:28 a.m. Friday, Maj. Aris Galang, Philippine Air Force public affairs office chief, said. an official of the Philippine Air Force said.
“Around 8 a.m. po umalis dito sa VAB (Villamor Air Base, Pasay City) ‘yung C-130 (with tail number 5011) and 10:30 a.m. po dumating ng Samar (The C-130 aircraft carrying the bells left Villamor Air Base at about 8 a.m. and arrived in Samar at 10:30 a.m.),” Galang said.
President Rodrigo Duterte has sought the return of the bells taken by American soldiers as war booty in 1901. He is expected to attend the turnover ceremony on Saturday.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the return of the bells to the Philippines from the United States symbolizes the two countries’ “shared histories and ideals, new beginnings, renewed friendships and a stronger brotherhood.”- ecz/ NewsLine
