Note 70 — Chapter XL

The enemy from Joló had often made incursions, to the great loss of the islands; for they caused many deaths, made many captives, and occasioned not few expenses, which had been incurred for his Majesty in opposing them, but all to no purpose. For either the Spaniards did not try to look for them, or did not find them, or indeed, when they met them, the enemy took to their heels; for on the one hand their boats are swifter, and on the other they come more as soldiers than our men, who seem to have inherited the carelessness and phlegm of the country. And truly, I think injustice has been done to the Joloans, and injustice should be done to no one, even one’s enemy. But we shall consider how God avenged the injuries committed by Saul on the Ammonites, who did not stop until these were atoned for—which was ended by David, who delivered to them all of Saul’s descendants, all of whom they hanged. And the scriptures say: Suspenderunt eos in patibulis in conspectu solis.70 For a criminal punished shines like the sun in the sight of God. These Joloans were going to and returning from Manila in the character of friends, taking and carrying away necessaries to both parties. Once, when returning from Manila, they were charged with robbing and making captives. The governor sent Alférez Don Fernando de Figueroa after them. After meeting them, he brought them back, after taking away their cargo, which is reported to have amounted to more than four thousand pesos. They remained idle in Manila, until they were freely dismissed, as no crime appeared against them. Governor Don Alonso Fajardo died, and the Ioloans returned to their own country, with the intention of asking the new governor, on his arrival, for what was taken from them; since nothing was proved against them for which they merited the punishment of the confiscation of their property. They acted accordingly, and returned to the presence of Don Fernando de Silva and of his successor, Don Juan Niño de Tábora. Those barbarians endured very great delay, until, finding themselves in a desperate condition and poorly equipped, they returned, committing signal depredations on the way; and since then they have continued their incursions, to the very great injury of all the country. And although expeditions have been made against them from Sugbú and Panay, nothing of importance has been accomplished. It was resolved to build a good fleet and invade their country. This was done very secretly, but I am surprised that they did not hear of it. Its chief officer was Don Cristóbal de Lugo, who filled the position of lieutenant-governor and captain-general of those provinces. He assembled a goodly force, both soldiers and Indians, who would willingly go to avenge themselves, as they said. For the act of vengeance among the Indians is a terrible thing; and, if possible, they do not miss it.