itory extends for a distance of about sixty leguas. That
district includes the people of the Subanos, who are one of the
most numerous in the island, and one of the most ready to receive
the evangelical doctrine, as they are heathen and not Mahometans,
as are the Mindanaos. The village of Iligan, which is the capital of
the jurisdiction, where the alcalde-mayor and the infantry captain
of the presidio live, has about 100 tributes along the coast. The
district further inland, in another village called Baloy, has
about 200 families, although only 30 make their appearance for
the tribute. Another village called Lavayan, which is located on
the other side of Iligan and the bay of Panguil, has 50 tributes,
although there are [actually] twice as many more. Then comes Dapitan,
which is our center for residence and instruction, as it is one of
the most ancient Christian villages in these islands. Its inhabitants
went of their own accord to meet the first Spaniards who went out
for the conquest, and guided and served them in that conquest; and
they have always remained faithful in their friendship, for which
reason they have been exempted from paying tribute. There are about
200 families there, while another village in the interior at the head
of the same river has about 250. The villages located along the coast
toward Zamboanga are Dipoloc, with 300 families Duino, 600; Manucan,
100; Tubao, 100; Sindangan 500; Mucas, 200; Quipit, 300--in all 2,750
families This is the number estimated to be in this residence. Five
priests generally aid in their instruction. [15]

LETTER FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA TO FELIPE IV

Sire:

When we became established in these islands, and they were divided
up into bishoprics, the division was not made with due regard
to convenience, and as the distance between the several parts
required. This was due either to a lack of information, or to the fact
that the conversion [of the heathen] had not yet been accomplished, nor
had various islands, inhabited by numerous souls, yet been discovered;
but these are now for the most part brought to our holy Catholic faith,
or are shortly to be so, as we hope. To this must be added the lack
of gospel laborers in regions which are distant more than a hundred
leguas in the sea; as are the Litaos of Zamboanga, the Mindanaos,
the Xoloans, the Borneans, and other nations, to which no bishopric
extends or can extend, nor is there any prelate to care for t