Letter from Fr. Diego De Herrera to the King, Dated Panay 25 July 1570
Levesque, Rodrigue (1992). "Letter from Fr. Diego De Herrera to the King, Dated Panay 25 July 1570". History of Micronesia: A Collection of Source Documents. Volume 2, Prelude to Conquest, 1561-1595. Gatineau, Quebec: Éditions Lévesque. pp. 437–440. ISBN 0-920201-02-4.
- Has attachment: File:A8MLRXPV.pdf
Abstract: A letter from Fr. Diego de Herrera to King Philip II, dated July 25, 1570, written from Panay. In this letter, Fr. Diego de Herrera discusses the dire situation in the Philippines, describing how the natives are being mistreated by the Spaniards and how this misconduct is hindering the service to God and the King. He recounts his journey to New Spain in 1569 to seek reforms and to inform the Viceroy of the distress and chaos in the region. The Viceroy advised him to return and report to the King.
Upon returning to Panay on July 22, 1570, Fr. Diego found the situation had worsened, with significant destruction occurring in just one year. He details the wealth of resources in the islands, such as gold and pearls, but warns that without proper governance and protection for the natives, these riches and the colony’s stability would be lost. He also criticizes the proposed policy of robbing and enslaving the Moros, pointing out that such measures are unjust and damaging, as the Moros did not hinder the preaching of the gospel.
Fr. Diego appeals for better support for the religious personnel in terms of sustenance, as compared to what is available in New Spain, citing heavier expenses in the Philippines and the need to support, rather than burden, the local soldiers. Lastly, he confirms that their mission is to continue despite challenges and expresses hope for fruitful conversions among the local population, petitioning the King for continued support and preservation of his reign.
