The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XXIV, 1630-34 | Page 2

provincial of the Augustinian order, and his subsequent deposition;
but this is stated in brief and cautious terms. In 1602 Pedro de Arce
(later bishop of Cebú) is elected to that high post; Medina extols the
virtues and ability of this noted prelate, and relates many things to
show these. He then proceeds to give another version of the difficulties
connected with the second election of Lorenzo de León, one side of
which was told in vol. xiii; Medina takes sides with that provincial, and
regrets his deposition from office, but contents himself with a statement
of the bare facts, and some general comments.
In 1606, missionaries of the discalced (or Recollect) Augustinians

arrive in the Philippines. The missions established by them are
enumerated, many being ceded to them by the regular Augustinians;
their labors extend even to Cuyo and Calamianes, and eastern
Mindanao, among the Moro peoples. León's unexpired term as
provincial is most worthily filled by Pedro de Arce. In 1608 he is
succeeded by Fray Pedro de Solier, a man of great ability and zeal, who
conducts the affairs of the province well, and brings the religious
therein under stricter discipline. Certain differences arise between the
two Augustinian orders, and an inspection of their houses and affairs is
ordered from Rome. For those in Filipinas is appointed (1609) Fray
Diego de Guevara, who had been sent to Europe some years before as
an envoy from the city of Manila and from his order there. He sets out
for the Philippines with a large reënforcement of missionaries; but not
all of these are permitted to embark at Acapulco. Medina gives brief
sketches of the characters and lives of these men, and some account of
Guevara's proceedings as visitor of the province. The provincial Solier
is exonerated from blame, incurred through erroneous reports of his
conduct, but is obliged to go to Spain to render an account of it; he does
this so well that he is made bishop of Porto Rico. In 1611 Fray Miguel
García is elected provincial of Filipinas, and administers his office very
acceptably. Another reënforcement of missionaries arrives in 1613;
their outfit for the journey is so meager that they barely survive its
hardships. By vote of the chapter of 1611, the interval between its
meetings was extended to four years. Much discontent arises at this,
and the act is revoked, the next chapter meeting in 1614. An attempt is
made to reduce the number entitled to vote therein; this is done,
although in the face of strong opposition. At the chapter of 1614, Fray
Vicente de Sepúlveda is made provincial; his severity of rule is onerous
to his subordinates. The Dutch send a fleet to Arévalo; the Spanish
commandant there takes to cowardly flight, as do all his forces, and the
enemy burn the town. The missionaries seek refuge in other places; and
their convents shelter and feed homeless refugees and hungry soldiers,
to the extent of their resources. After the enemy's retreat, the fathers
return to their missions, and encourage the Indians to resume their
former homes and labors. Another attack by the Dutch, on Otón, is
repulsed by the Spaniards, after a desperate resistance; and the latter
build an excellent fort there, to defend themselves from such raids.

Fray Jerónimo de Salas is elected provincial in 1617, but dies within
three weeks' time, and Sepúlveda succeeds to his post. His rigorous rule
arouses much resentment; and he obstinately refuses, even when
advised and warned, to give up his office. Finally, in August of that
same year, Sepúlveda is murdered by three religious of his own order.
One of these escapes from the islands; the other two are hanged.
Another meeting of the chapter is held (October 31, 1617) and Fray
Alonso Baraona is made provincial.
Archbishop Vazquez de Mercado dies, and is succeeded by the
Augustinian Pedro de Arce. The Dutch make an attempt (1618) on
Luzón, but are defeated by Ronquillo at Playa Honda. Juan de Silva's
death is followed by the loss of the galleons that he had taken to
Malaca. The Moro pirates of Mindanao ravage the islands; a Spanish
fleet is sent against them, and destroys many of their craft. An
Augustinian friar persuades the survivors to surrender; these are
afterward enslaved. Medina gives some account of Baraona's
management of affairs as provincial.
In the chapter of 1620 Juan Enríquez is elected provincial; he
administers his office with discretion and faithfulness. Various events
in his term are recorded by Medina. In that period the Recollect
Augustinians establish themselves in Cebú and Mindanao. An
insurrection arises in Bohol, originating among the native sorcerers or
priests; the Jesuit missionaries there induce the Spanish authorities at
Cebú to send troops against the rebels, who are subdued by the aid of
the Holy