DECADES OLD FILIPINO ANCESTRAL BLADES KRIS AND KAMPILAN RETURN TO THE PHILIPPINES

Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa, Canada

(seated left) Philippine Ambassador-Designate to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga and (seated right) Mr. Thomas Helge Janson during the formal signing of the Deed of Donation and turnover of the two ancestral blades: Kris and Kampilan, held at the Mindanao Hall of the Embassy. Assisted by Protocol Officer Erastus Arbado (standing left) and Vice Consul Mary Jaselle Menteer (standing right) (Photo courtesy of Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa, Canada)

31 July 2025, Ottawa — Two priceless Filipino swords – a Kris and a Kampilan – were returned to the Philippines in a formal signing of the Deed of Donation during a turnover ceremony held at the Mindanao Hall of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa on 30 July 2025.

Philippine Ambassador-Designate to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga received from Canadian resident of Swede origin Mr. Thomas Helge Janson, the two swords on behalf of the National Museum of the Philippines. Ms. Sharon Provis served as witness to the formal handover.

The two ancestral blades- Kris and Kampilan – donated by Mr. Thomas Helge Janson to the Philippines (Photo courtesy of Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa, Canada)

The National Museum of the Philippines describes the kris and kampilan as swords primarily used by Muslim groups in Mindanao, such as the Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Yakan, and Sama. They were used to fight against the threat of raiders, and later on, to resist against the Spaniards, who attempted to subjugate the Moros under colonial rule.

Mr. Janson’s parents, Helge and Dorothy Janson, acquired the donated items during their stay in the Philippines from the 1930s to 1945. Preserved by the Janson’s family for decades, these pieces of history are now being returned to the Philippines as a gesture of goodwill and cultural respect. The swords bear the significant mark of craftsmanship of the Bangsamoros in the southern Philippines.

“My family is very happy, but the happiest ones are my parents,” Mr. Janson tearfully shared during the turnover.

Mr. and Mrs. Helge and Dorothy Janson (Photo courtesy of Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa, Canada)

In his remarks, Ambassador Chan-Gonzaga thanked Mr. Janson for his meaningful contribution to the preservation of Filipino heritage. “On behalf of the Philippine government, I extend my deep gratitude to Mr. Tom Janson for his generous donation. These swords are powerful symbols of our history, craftsmanship, and resilience. The return of these swords after over seventy years is a gesture of cultural remembrance and strengthens international bonds,” said Ambassador-designate Chan-Gonzaga.

(left) Philippine Ambassador-Designate to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga presenting a certificate of appreciation to (right) Mr. Thomas Helge Janson. (Photo courtesy of Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa, Canada)

From left to right: Consul Mylhyn Acosta, Vice Consul Mary Jaselle Menteer, Consul Alexander Joseph Estomo, Philippine Ambassador-Designate to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, Mr. Thomas Helge Janson, Mrs Janson, Mr. Janson’s daughter, and Ms. Sharon Provis. (Photo courtesy of Embassy of the Philippines in Ottawa, Canada)

The kris and kampilan blades will be forwarded to the Ethnology Division of the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila, where they will undergo conservation review and processing for potential exhibition.