Eastern SamarHeritage
Balangiga Bells Church
Eastern Samar
About
The Church of Saint Polycarp in Balangiga, Eastern Samar, is internationally renowned as the site of the Balangiga Encounter of 1901 during the Philippine-American War, one of the most significant battles of the conflict. The church's three historic bronze bells were taken by American troops as war trophies and held in the United States for over a century before being returned to the Philippines in 2018. The repatriated bells now hang proudly in the church belfry, symbolising the completion of a long chapter in Filipino history. The town of Balangiga itself is a living heritage site, with its colonial-era church and monuments drawing historians and patriots.
Photos
Travel Tips
Balangiga is accessible by bus from Borongan or by RoRo ferry from Tacloban. Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience and easier access to the belfry. The local tourism office offers guided historical tours of the town. Combine your visit with a stop at the Balangiga Encounter Memorial nearby.
