Letter from Cebu (3) “Philippine History started in Cebu – Colonization of Cebu by Legazpi”

 
 
Despite the successful circumnavigation of the globe by one of the Magellan ships, “Victoria”, the colonization of the Philippines by Spain did not start until 1565. This is partly because four expeditions from 1525 to 1542 made by Spanish King Charles ended up with failures.
 
But, Spanish King Philip II appointed Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as head of the expedition. Four ships led by Legazpi left the Mexican Port of Navida in November, 1564, and reached Cebu in February 1565. A son of Raja Humabon, Tupas, and local people fled to the mountains. After Legazpi promised not to harm them, Tupas and his men return to the lowland. A Spaniard happened to find the image of infant Jesus which Magellan gave to Juana, Rajah Humabon’s wife, forty four years earlier.
   
Legazpi signed an agreement of peace and amity with Tupas and other chieftains. The agreement, according to “Philippine History” by Teodoro Agoncillo, includes provisions as follows;

• The Filipinos promise to be loyal to the King of Spain and the Spaniards
• The Filipinos promise to help the Spaniards in any battle against an enemy; and in return, the Spaniards promise to protect the Filipinos from all enemies.
• A Filipino who has committed a crime against a Spaniard should be turned over to Spanish authorities, while a Spaniard who has committed a crime against a Filipino should be turned over to the Filipino chieftain.

Spanish sovereignty over Cebu was established with this agreement.
 
Legazpi started constructing the Spanish settlement in Cebu. This settlement used to be called “San Miguel” which is common names of place all over the world, and a famous brand name of beer. Original structure of Fort San Pedro was also constructed during this time.
  （reference）
“Philippine History: Expanded and Updated Edition”, by Teodoro A. Agoncillo, Fe B. Mangahas, C&E Publishing Inc., Quezon City, Philippine (2010)
“The Discovery and Conquest of the Philippines 1521-1581”by Martin J. Noone,  Historical Conversation Society(1983)
“Introduction to Filipino History” by Teodoro A. Agoncillo, Garotech Publishing (2006)
“Story of Philippine History” by Shizuo Suzuki, Chuko Shinsho, 1997