ather St. Dominic (who keep it in
a very flourishing condition), by reason of the cession of it that
we made. Finally it has many excellent convents, built by those who
administer them so carefully.

Religious were established in the island of Bantayan, located between
the island of Panay and that of Sugbu, but farther from that of
Panay. However, if one wishes to go to the island of Sugbu without
sailing in the open sea, he may coast from islet to islet, although
the distance across is not greater than one or one and one-half
leguas. These Bantayan islets are numerous, and are all low and very
small. The largest is the above-named one. When Ours acquired it, it
had many inhabitants, all of very pleasing appearance, and tall and
well-built. But now it is almost depopulated by the ceaseless invasions
from Mindanao and Jolog. [110] We abandoned this convent (which had a
thousand Indians) years ago, in order not to be changing from place
to place. This island is the mother of fish, [111] and those that
are caught in their season at these islets are innumerable. They are
taken in boats among the islands. After we abandoned it, the island was
given over to beneficed seculars. Although they have done their duty as
zealous men, they have been unable to do more, because of being exposed
to great risks. The above-named enemies have made great slaughter in
these islands, and have taken even a greater number of captives. For
these people have no abiding-place; and, however quickly the news
arrives at Sugbu, when help comes the enemy has already left. For,
although the distance across is not more than three or four leguas,
and even two in parts, the help, as it must travel by sea, must go
far--namely, twenty-five leguas. Lately, in the year 1628, men from
Jolog did very great damage in that island. Admiral Don Cristobal de
Lugo was governing at Sugbu as lieutenant-governor. He could have
sent men, since he had news of the enemy in time. The chanter Juan
Muniscripo, beneficed clergyman of the island, and another secular
(who had been expelled from the Society), by name Alonso de Campos,
and six Spaniards--who, it is known, fulfilled their duty--were in
the island. But finally, as they lacked all necessary ammunition,
they had to retire and take to hiding, and seek new locations. By
God's mercy they were not captured, but the people of the island who
were captured and killed numbered more than one hundred and fifty. The
attempt has