Balangiga bell rings at first Simbang Gabi in historic town

The first day of Simbang Gabi at the Church of San Lorenzo de Martir in Balangiga town, Eastern Samar was welcomed by the ringing of one of its historic bells.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report on GMA News TV's Balitanghali Weekend, one of the three Balangiga bells was rung before the mass was officiated early Sunday morning.

All the three bells were displayed before the altar as churchgoers celebrated Simbang Gabi.

The bells are set to be temporarily installed in a mini-park within the church compound while awaiting the renovation of the bell tower, Fr. Lentoy Tybaco said.

People from other towns also continued to visit the church to see the Balangiga bells and take some pictures with them.

The Balangiga bells were taken by American soldiers in 1901 as a war trophy. Last week, they have been returned to the Philippines after over a century.

In a separate thanksgiving mass held on Saturday night after its handover ceremony attended by President Rodrigo Duterte, the historic bells were used for a religious purpose after 117 years.

Days after they were returned by the US government to the Philippines, the Balangiga bells have been put on display inside the Parish of St. Lawrence the Martyr in the municipality of Balangiga in Eastern Samar. Churchgoers attending the first day of Simbang Gabi on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, had a chance to see the bells up close. Vonne Aquino

Catholic devotees listen intently as the priest says the mass in thanksgiving for the return of the the three Balangiga bells on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2018, at the Parish of St. Lawrence the Martyr in the municipality of Balangiga in Eastern Samar. VONNE AQUINO

The churchgoers were able to watch the reconsecration of the bells which were later displayed inside the church. —Dona Magsino/KG, GMA News