Borongan bishops reject Senate proposal to place one of the Balangiga Bells at National Museum

December 13, 2018

The Diocese of Borongan rejected a senator's proposal to transfer one of the three Balangiga Bells to the National Museum. saying it would be a “disrespectful mangling of history”.

In a statement Thursday, the Borongan Diocese said they believ the Balangiga Bells should stay at the Parish Church of St. Lawrence (Balangiga Church) in Eastern Samar.

“We, the Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese of Borongan collectively object to and strongly stand against the transfer of one or all of the Bells of Balangiga from their historical and rightful habitat,” said the Borongan Diocese.

“Senate Resolution 965 does violence to history and the sacred character and purpose of the Balangiga Bells. It must be rejected,” it furthered.

Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez said “any effort aimed at such a transfer is a disrespectful mangling of history and the right of the Catholic faithful of Balangiga to their private property.”

“The Balangiga Encounter, at which the bells played a role, happened in Balangiga. It is only right that they be returned to Balangiga and stay in Balangiga,” said Varquez.

He said the bells form part of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

“The Balangiga Bells are sacramentals, that is, they are also sacred artifacts that call the faithful to prayer and worship. Therefore, they belong in the Church, not in a museum,” said Varquez.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri filed Senate Resolution No. 965, which seeks the transfer of one of the three Balangiga bells to the National Museum in Manila.

Zubiri said the move will allow Filipinos, especially the youth, to appreciate the importance of the Balangiga Bells. DMS