The SS Panay Shipwreck Bell was recovered in 1998 from the wreck of the SS Panay, which sank in 1941 during World War II near Sipalay City. The bell, made of metal and measuring 80 cm tall, still shows its original gold-copper color and features an engraved cross with floral designs. It served as an important signaling device on the ship, which was delivering ammunition to Filipino guerrillas when it was torpedoed by Japanese forces. The bell is now displayed at the old Sipalay Municipal Building, currently the city police station, symbolizing the local history and wartime efforts. Despite its historical importance, the bell shows signs of wear like scratches and is at risk due to exposure and lack of formal conservation. Preservation has mostly relied on community care, but no formal restoration has been done to protect it from further damage.
Location/s:
Photo Credit/s:
N. Alvarez, 2024, Sipalay City Tourism, 2019
Mappers:
Noreen Alvarez, Dennacris Alisasis, Eliezer Palandangan, Gina P. Sumugat, Lorna G. Cajolo, Nimrod N. Pillones, ENP. Jerick H. Lacson
Tags:
1941 WWII shipwreck, community care artifact, Filipino guerrilla support, gold-copper bell, historical bell Philippines, Japanese torpedo attack, local wartime history, , naval artifact Philippines, old police station exhibit, scratches on historic bell, ship bell conservation, shipwreck relic preservation, Sipalay City history, Sipalay Municipal Building display, SS Panay ammunition ship, SS Panay Shipwreck Bell, wartime signaling device, World War II Philippine artifacts, WWII maritime history Philippines
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