The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 05 of 55 / 1582-1583 / Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

16501

Title

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 — Volume 05 of 55 / 1582-1583 / Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Edited by Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson, this volume chronicles the Spanish Philippines in 1582–1583. It juxtaposes the zealous efforts of Bishop Domingo de Salazar to protect indigenous peoples against the ruthless oppression of secular officials, Jesuit missionary expansion, and the escalating threat of Japanese piracy. A vital historical record of early colonial politics, economics, and religion.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume V of *The Philippine Islands, 1493–1803* chronicles the turbulent years of 1582–1583, a pivotal era defined by the clash between ecclesiastical and secular authorities in the Spanish colony. The volume opens with reports from Governor Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa, who details the colony's expansion through the founding of new towns like Arévalo and Nueva Segovia. He highlights the strategic necessity of defending Luzón against Japanese pirates and advocates for increased customs duties to fund these efforts. Peñalosa also urges the direct importation of missionaries from Spain to replace discontented friars from New Spain, noting that the latter often become disillusioned after arrival. A central figure in this period is Bishop Domingo de Salazar, revered as the "Las Casas of the Philippines." His correspondence to King Felipe II exposes the brutal mistreatment of native Indians by *encomenderos* and unpaid soldiers. Salazar laments that forced labor in mines and galleys has depopulated villages, driving natives away from the Christian faith, which they now practice only out of fear. He passionately pleads for the appointment of a royal protector for the Indians and the right to nominate officials to this post. His efforts highlight the deep hostility between the church and civil powers, as Salazar's humanitarian interventions often provoked bitter opposition from secular officials. The volume includes Miguel de Loarca's detailed ethnographic "Relation," a comprehensive survey of the islands' geography, population, and social structures. Loarca describes the complex systems of slavery among the Visayan Pintados and the Moros of Luzón, distinguishing between the fully enslaved *ayuey*, the part-time workers *tumaranpoc*, and the respected *tomatabans*. He documents their legal codes, marriage customs involving dowries and symbolic rituals, and their beliefs regarding deities and ancestors. Loarca notes that while some native beliefs appear crude, they demonstrate considerable imagination and poetic fancy. Significant political developments include the founding of the Audiencia of Manila, a high court ordered by the King to oversee justice and shield the Indians, and the opening of the Inquisition in the islands. The text also features papal decrees supporting the Dominican order and documents regarding the sale of offices, revealing the corruption and abuse of power prevalent in the administration. Through a collection of letters, decrees, and reports, the volume provides a comprehensive view of the political, economic, and religious conditions of the Philippines on the eve of the nineteenth century, illustrating the profound challenges faced by the Spanish crown in governing its new territories.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• History
• Travel