Balangiga Encounter in Eastern Samar remembered in simple program

A program was held on Monday to commemorate the 119th anniversary of the Balangiga encounter in Eastern Samar. (Photo: Aboy Abayan)

TACLOBAN CITY –– To avoid mass gathering, a short and simple program was held on Monday to commemorate the 119th anniversary of the Balangiga encounter in Eastern Samar.

Fe Campanero, information and tourism officer of the municipal government, said this year’s program complied with the national government’s directive to avoid any mass gathering.

After a Mass at the St. Lawrence the Martyr Church, a wreath-laying activity, led by Mayor Randy Graza, was made in front of the statue of local hero Valeriano Abanador who led the uprising against the American soldiers on Sept. 29, 1901.

Graza, in his speech, lauded all health workers and frontliners who risked their lives to help people amid the pandemic.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who, in one way or another, has contributed in the fight against this pandemic, especially our frontliners who are risking everything,” he said.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the events of 1901 and how we are appeasing this pandemic are a physical lens as to what unity can do. These events show that the people of Balangiga can unite for the reason, for justice, and the well-being of our beloved town,” he added.

The Balangiga Encounter, known earlier as the ‘Balangiga Massacre,’ is considered the worst single defeat by the Americans in the hands of Filipino guerrillas during the Filipino-American War.

At least 54 American soldiers were killed during the surprise attack.

The following day, American forces decided to retaliate. American general Jacob Smith, outraged by the attack, ordered his men to go to Balangiga, where boys above 10 years old were killed, and communities burned.

They took the town’s three bells and kept them for 117 years.

On December 15, 2018, the bells were finally returned to Balangiga.