Remembering Balangiga: A Dark Chapter in Philippine-American History 🇵🇭

Did you know that on September 28, 1901, a single church bell served as the signal for a surprise attack that nearly wiped out an entire American garrison? This event, known as the Balangiga Massacre, remains a controversial point in Philippine-American history, sparking debate about colonialism, resistance, and reconciliation.

“Balangiga,” the word itself evokes strong emotions, especially among Filipinos. It stands as a symbol of resistance against American rule, a testament to a people’s fight for freedom. But it’s also a reminder of a brutal massacre, a tragic loss of life on both sides.

As Filipinos, we’ve grown up with stories of the Balangiga Massacre. We learn about the church bells, the bolo charge, the retaliatory campaign. It’s a part of our history that’s been shrouded in both pride and sorrow. But how much do we really know about the events that led up to that fateful day? And what lessons can we, Filipinos of the 21st century, learn from this dark chapter in our history?

The Seeds of Distrust

The Balangiga Massacre didn’t occur in a vacuum. It was a product of a complex and troubled period in Philippine-American relations. Following the Spanish-American War, Filipinos found themselves under a new colonial power, the United States. Hopes for independence were dashed when America decided to retain the Philippines.

This decision led to growing resentment among Filipinos. While some, particularly the educated and propertied class in Manila, saw the benefits of American rule, others, especially in the provinces, yearned for self-determination. The Katipunan, a secret revolutionary society, reemerged, and Aguinaldo, the leader of the revolution against Spain, found himself leading a new fight, this time against the Americans.

Tensions in Samar

Samar, a rugged island in the Visayas, was a hotbed of resistance. The harsh conditions under Spanish rule and continued abuses by the civil guard left the people disillusioned with any form of outside authority. When American troops arrived in Samar, tensions were already high.

Here’s what exacerbated the situation in Samar:

• Cultural Misunderstandings: American soldiers, unfamiliar with Filipino customs and traditions, often displayed an air of superiority and disrespect. Filipinos, in turn, resented the Americans’ presence and perceived lack of understanding.
• Harsh Military Measures: The American military, seeking to pacify the island, employed tactics that many Filipinos viewed as oppressive. This included the imposition of curfews, restrictions on movement, and forced labor.
• Lack of Communication: The language barrier and limited interaction between Americans and Filipinos fostered mistrust and suspicion. Rumors and propaganda spread, further inflaming the situation.

The Spark that Ignited the Fire

The situation in Balangiga, a small town in Samar, reached a breaking point due to several specific incidents:

• Forced Labor: Filipinos were required to clear the town of underbrush for sanitary purposes. This was perceived as forced labor, a reminder of the abuses suffered under Spanish rule.
• Confiscation of Food: American soldiers, concerned about potential poisoning, confiscated food supplies from the local population. This left many families hungry and resentful.
• Restrictions on Movement: A quarantine was imposed on the town, limiting movement in and out of Balangiga. This fuelled rumors and anxieties, further isolating the community.

September 28, 1901: A Day of Bloodshed

The simmering tensions in Balangiga finally erupted on September 28, 1901. A single church bell, rung as a signal, marked the beginning of a surprise attack by Filipino guerrillas. Armed with bolos and a few rifles, they overwhelmed the unsuspecting American garrison, Company C of the 9th Infantry.

Here’s a breakdown of the Balangiga Massacre:

Feature	Description
Timing	Surprise attack during breakfast
Signal	Church bell
Filipino Weapons	Bolos (machetes), a few rifles
American Casualties	48 killed, 22 wounded, 4 missing (out of 74 men)
Outcome	Filipino victory, temporary control of the town

The attack was swift and brutal. Most of the American soldiers were killed or wounded. Only a handful managed to escape. News of the Balangiga Massacre sent shockwaves through the American military.

Retaliation and its Consequences

The massacre sparked a wave of outrage and calls for revenge. General Jacob H. Smith, known as “Hell Roaring Jake,” was sent to Samar to quell the insurrection. Infamous for his orders to “kill and burn” and to make the island a “howling wilderness,” Smith’s retaliatory campaign resulted in widespread destruction and the deaths of thousands of Filipinos, including civilians.

The American military’s response to Balangiga raised serious questions about the conduct of war and the ethics of colonialism.

The Bells of Balangiga: A Legacy of Controversy

Following the massacre, the American troops took as war trophies the church bells of Balangiga. One bell was sent to a military base in Wyoming, and two others were displayed at a military museum in South Korea. For Filipinos, the bells became symbols of their struggle against colonialism and a reminder of the atrocities committed in Samar.

For decades, Filipinos have demanded the return of the bells. The issue has been a source of diplomatic tension between the Philippines and the United States. In 2018, after years of negotiations, the United States finally agreed to return the bells. Their repatriation in 2018 was a momentous event, symbolizing reconciliation and healing.

Remembering Balangiga: Lessons for Today

The Balangiga Massacre remains a controversial point in Philippine-American history. It’s a story of resistance, tragedy, and the complexities of colonialism.

Here are 5 important lessons we can learn from Balangiga:

1. Respect for Cultural Differences: Understanding and respecting the customs and traditions of others is crucial for peaceful coexistence.
2. Dialogue and Communication: Open and honest communication can help prevent misunderstandings and build bridges of trust.
3. Justice and Accountability: Atrocities and abuses must be addressed, and perpetrators held accountable, to achieve true reconciliation.
4. The Human Cost of War: War inflicts immeasurable suffering on all sides, and its consequences can resonate for generations.
5. The Importance of History: Remembering and learning from the past, even its darkest chapters, can guide us towards a more just and peaceful future.

Balangiga is a reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom. It’s a story that continues to shape Filipino identity and our relationship with the United States. As Filipinos, it’s our duty to remember Balangiga, to reflect on its lessons, and to work towards a future where such tragedies are never repeated.

Pratt, E. S. (1898). Dispatch to the State Department. In Senate Document 62, 55th Congress, 3d Session. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office.