Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed on Monday the return of the historic Balangiga bells to the country on Dec. 11.
In a text message, Lorenzana said the bells of Balangiga, Eastern Samar will be flown directly to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
He said a simple program will be held upon the arrival of the bells.
Lorenzana said on Dec. 15, the bells will be taken to Eastern Samar, after more than 100 years absence.
Department of National Defense spokesperson Director Arsenio Andolong also confirmed the return of the bells, which he said will be transported by a United States Air Force plane.
The Balangiga bells are three church bells taken by the United States Army from the church in Balangiga as war trophies after reprisals following the Balangiga massacre in 1901 during the Philippine-American War. (Francis T. Wakefield)
