This volume covers a brief but critical period, detailing significant institutional changes and intense conflict between civil and ecclesiastical authorities. The arrival of the zealous first bishop of Manila, Fray Domingo de Salazar (1581), marks a pivotal moment, as he vigorously protests the exploitation and oppression of the native Filipinos by Spanish officials and encomenderos. The Spanish governor, Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa, faces opposition from the bishop and other officials like Captain Gabriel de Ribera regarding his administration. Two major institutional developments occurred in 1583: the establishment of the Royal Audiencia (high court of justice) in Manila to protect the Indians , and the installation of the Commissary of the Inquisition, which was tasked with investigating heresy and other crimes but explicitly exempted native Filipinos from its jurisdiction. The volume also includes the "Relación de las Yslas Filipinas" (Relation of the Philippine Islands) by soldier Miguel de Loarca , a valuable early ethnographic account describing the geography, population, customs, and religious beliefs of the Visayan (Pintados) and Luzon Moro peoples, including their deities (Bathala), social structure, slavery, and marriage practices. The documents also record the threat posed by Japanese pirates raiding the coast of Cagayan in Luzon.
The Philippine Islands, 1493–1803 (Vol. 5, 1582-1583)