Origin of the Conflict
The Balangiga Massacre happened during the Filipino-American war. It occurred in the final phase of the conflict, between 1901 and 1902. Filipinos resisted American rule, with revolts happening all over the islands. One such uprising took place in Balangiga, a small town on the southern coast of Samar Island.
In a strategic move, the U.S. military established a garrison in Balangiga in July 1901. While it was initially met with a peaceful reception, animosity gradually brewed behind the calm facade. The town’s local police chief, Valeriano Abanador, was a crucial figure in instigating anti-American sentiments.
Subsequently, the U.S. military imposed forced labor upon the villagers. They were pushed to extremes, rebuilding the town’s infrastructure for the American troops’ benefit. Moreover, the resentment grew stronger because they had to get permission to leave or enter the city. The people in Balangiga and nearby villages planned to rebel.
The legendary plot was carefully crafted, taking weeks to formulate and implement. The women secretly brought Filipino weapons into houses and churches, hidden under their clothes. The men pretended to be doing a police drill to start the attack. The stage was set for what was to be one of the bloodiest events in the Philippine-American war.
The Attack on Balangiga
Private Adolph Gamlin woke up to the sound of church bells on September 28, 1901, in Balangiga. Little did he know, an attack was imminent. Chief Valeriano Abanador led the native Filipinos in a carefully planned surprise attack. They ambushed the American soldiers while they were eating breakfast.
The surprise was almost complete, with the Filipino forces massively outnumbering the Americans. Out of the original garrison of seventy-four, only twenty survived the initial onslaught. These were the unfortunate remnants of the 9th Infantry Regiment. After invading the municipal hall, the Filipinos killed their captives.
Afterward, the Filipinos set fire to the nearby American quarters, making the confused soldiers even more upset. The intense fire, coupled with the sharp bolos of the natives, provided little opportunity for escape.
Meanwhile, the gunfire and ringing church bells alerted other American garrisons. However, they couldn’t help right away, making the situation worse for the soldiers in the town.
By the end of the day, the attackers had control over Balangiga. They looted the garrison, taking firearms and other valuable supplies. The attack on Balangiga was a significant turning point in the war between the Philippines and America. It sent shockwaves across the Pacific Ocean.
Aftermath and Reaction of the Balangiga Massacre
The Balangiga Massacre’s immediate aftermath was quite dramatic. Shocked by the unforeseen attack, American forces panicked. This unexpected and brutal onslaught killed 48 of the 74 American troops, with only four surviving unwounded. The Filipinos lost around 20-25 men, though the exact number remains unknown. The attackers captured vast amounts of military equipment, including rifles and ammunition.
In the United States, the news of the Balangiga attack created a public outcry. Americans collectively mourned the loss of their compatriots and demanded swift, strong retaliation. The event had a significant effect on how Americans thought and made them more determined to fight in the Philippine-American War. Filipinos saw the attack as a heroic display of guerilla warfare against oppressive foreign forces. They celebrated it.
Locally, the massacre led to an increase in tensions between Filipinos and the U.S. armed forces. It spurred widespread fear among the American ranks. The townspeople quickly left Balangiga after the attack because they were afraid of the Americans. The municipality was set ablaze by the retreating American soldiers, leaving it in ruins.
Internationally, the event stirred up diplomatic disputes. The U.S. said it was a terrible massacre, but other countries had doubts. Many regarded it as a legitimate act of resistance by oppressed Filipinos against invading forces. The Balangiga Massacre is still a controversial event that shows how people have different opinions on colonial wars.
Retaliation and “March across Samar”
The United States military started a campaign after the shocking Balangiga incident. General Jacob H. Smith, in his anger and desperation, ordered a “March across Samar.” He sought to punish those responsible for the audacious act.
The command by General Smith intended to transform Samar into a “howling wilderness.” His explicit instructions were to kill all individuals capable of bearing arms, specifically those aged ten and above. He said the people on the island were not trustworthy or safe, so he punished them harshly.
The mission involving the American troops did not just involve killing. The soldiers were told to burn towns and villages, destroy food sources, and weaken the local population’s resistance. On a macro scale, this campaign aimed to continue until Samar was entirely subjugated.
The result was devastating for the Filipinos. Reliable estimates suggest that thousands of innocent civilians succumbed to the punitive expedition. Under intense pressure and criticism, the American authorities eventually stopped the operation. The military maneuver stopped the resistance, but it caused lasting pain in the Filipino memory.
The Bells of Balangiga
The Bells of Balangiga play a central part in the narrative of the Balangiga Massacre. Notably, these were two church bells that the American forces seized from the local church during the aftermath of the conflict and were taken as war trophies. These bells have subsequently been a point of contention between the United States and the Philippines.
As a symbol of victory, the bells were transported to the United States. Specifically, they were displayed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. These artifacts remind us of a sad time in Filipino-American history, and people argue about where they should be kept. Many Filipinos saw their presence in the U.S. as a painful reminder of war crimes.
In recent years, the Bells of Balangiga have emerged as a symbol of reconciliation. After a century and seventeen years, they were repatriated to the Philippines, which was seen as a significant diplomatic gesture, indicating improved relations between the U.S. and the Philippines. The Filipino people, especially those from Balangiga, were excited and honored by the bells. The Filipino people see these bells as essential symbols of strength, remembrance, and healing.