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REPORT
Annotations of Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de

TITLE
Las Islas Filipinas

SUBTOPICS OF THE REPORT

 Dr. Morga and his
‘Sucesos’
Antonio de Morga (1559-1636)
-A Spanish historian, lawyer and a notable colonial officer for
43 years in the Philippines, New Spain, and Peru.
-He reestablish the audencia and took over the function of
judge (“oidor”)
He published the book Sucesos de las islas filipinas in 1609
and considered the most significant works on the early of the
Spanish colonization of the Philippines.
-The history is said to cover the years from 1493 – 1603
-Morga’s official position as a colonial officer, allowed him
access to many government documents.
-The history was published in two volumes in 1609 by Casa
de Geronymo Balli in Mexico City.
-In 1868, the first English translation was published in London.

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 Rizal’s Annotation of
the Book
-Jose Rizal had an ardent longing to know the true condition
of the Philippines when the Spanish conquerors came ashore.
-Rizal supposed that the Spanish colonization somewhat
resulted in the deterioration of the Philippines rich culture and
tradition.
-He look for a reliable account of the Philippines before and at
the onset of Spanish colonization.
-Rizal stayed many months in 1888-1889 at British Museum in
London researching from its Filipiniana Collection, looking for
Morga’s book and had to painstakingly hand-copy the whole
351 pages.
-1890 when Rizal finished and published his annotation of the
Sucesos in Paris.

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-Rizal meticulously annotated every chapter of the Sucesos. Commenting even on Morga’s typographical errors
and provided enlightenment on every statement which he believed misrepresenting the local’s cultural practices
March 1889 – Rizal left London for Paris and frequented the Bibliotheque Nationale to continue on his
annotation of the Sucesos
Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt – a knowledgeable Filipinologist recommended Dr. Antonio Morga’s Sucesos de las
islas filipinas.

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 The Preface
- With Jose Rizal, Europe, 1889" as a signature, Rizal had the
following as his preface to his work
- To the Filipinos: in Noli me tangere ("The Social Cancer") I
started to sketch the present state of our native land. But the
effect which my effort produced made me realize that, before
attempting to unroll before your eyes the other pictures which
were to follow. So only can you fairly judge the present and
estimate how much progress has been made during the three
centuries of Spanish rule.
- Like almost all of you, I was born and brought up in ignorance of
our country past and without knowledge or authority to speak of
what I neither saw nor have studied. Spaniards who in the
beginning of the new era controlled the destinies of the
Philippines and had personal knowledge of our ancient
nationality.
- It is then the shade of our ancestors civilization which the author
will call before you. If the work serves to awaken in your
consciousness of our past to rectify what has been falsified, then I
shall not have labored in vain

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 Some Important
Annotations
Governor Morga
-Not only the first to write but also the first to publish a Philippine
history.
-By Christian religion, he appears to mean the Roman Catholic by fire
and sword he would preserve purity in the Philippines.
-Centuries ago, was the custom to write as intolerantly as Morga
does, but nowadays it called a bit presumptuous.
-Missionaries only succeeded in converting a part of people of the
Philippines. Still there are MOHAMMEDANS, THE MOROS, IN THE
SOUTHERN ISLAND, NEGRITOS, IGOROTS AND OTHER
HEATENS yet occupy the greater part territorially of the archipelago3
3
-3 Island which the Spaniards early held but soon lost (non-Christian):
Formosa, Borneo and Moluccas
-Morga’s history shows in its eight chapter. According to some
historians, Magellan lost his life on Mactan and the soldiers of Legaspi
fought under the banner of King Tupas of Cebu

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-The term "conquest" is admissible.
-Discovery, conquest and conversion cost Spanish blood but still more Filipino blood.
-Their Prized Krises and Kampilans are worthy of admiration and some of them are richly damascened.
-Coats of mail and helmet are the specimens in various European Museum.
It is known that Magellan was mistaken when he represented to the King of Spain that Molucca Islands within
the limits assigned by the Pope to the Spaniards. Through error and inaccuracy Philippines did not fall into
the hands of Portuguese.
-In Cebu, which Morga calls "The City of the most Holy Name of Jesus" was at first called "The village of san
Miguel." The expedition of Villalobos, intermediate between Magellan's and Legaspi's gave the name
"Philipina". Tandeya, now perhaps Leyte, and this name later was extended to the whole archipelago.
-Raja Soliman was called "Rahang mura" or young king, in distinction from the old king, Rahang matanda.
The native fort at the mouth of Pasig River, which Morga speaks of as equipped with brass latakas and
artillery of larger calliber, has it's ramparts reinforce with thick hardwood used for houses and called harigues
and haligui.
-According to historians, in 1570 Manila was burned and had a great plant for manufacturing artillery. As to
the day, Spaniards have come following the course of the sum. This condition continues until the end of the
year 1844. December 31st was by special arrangement among the authorities drop from the calendar for that
year.
-Not mentioned by Morga, the Cebuanos aided the Spaniards in their expedition against Manila, for which
reason --they were long exempted from tribute.
-Southern Island, the Visayas were also called "The land of the Painted People (or Pintados, in Spanish)"

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-Spaniards retained the native name for the new capital of the archipelago a little changed, for the tagalogs
had called their city "Maynila."
-When Morga says that the lands were "entrusted" (given as encomiendas) to those who had "pacified" them,
he means "divided up among". The word "entrusts", like "pacify" later came to have sort of ironical signifation.
-Legaspi's grandson, Salcedo, called the Hernando Cortez of the Philippines was the "conqueror" intelligent
right arm and the hero of the "conquest". Because of him they yeilded to their enemiee, making peace and
friendship with the Spaniards. It was him who save Manila from Li Ma-hong. He died at the age of 27.
-The expedition followed the Chinese consair Li Ma-hong, after his unsuccessful attack upon Manila to
Pangasinam province with the Spaniards, 1500 indians from Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Panay. Former Raja
Lakandola, with his sons and kinsmen went too, with 200 more Bisayans. Borneo ought to belong to Spain, in
Spanish expedition to replace on its throne to Sirela or Malacla.
-Some stayed in Manila as prisoners, one, Governor Curcuera, passed 5 years with Fort Santiago as his
prison.
-Captain Gabriel de Rivera, a Spanish commander who had gained fame in a raid on Borneo and Malacca
coast.
-The Jesuit, Father Alonso Sanchez, who visited the papal court at Rome and the Spanish King at Madrid.
-In the time of Governor Gonez Perez Dasmariñas, Manila was guarded against further damage such as
suffered from Li Ma-hong by the construction of massive stone wall around it.
-Early cathedral wood which was burned through carelessness at the time of funeral of Governor,
Dasmariñas predecessor, Governor Ronquillo, was made.

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- It is worthy of note that China, Japan and Cambodia at this time-maintained relations with the
Philippines. For Governor Dasmariña, in Moluccan group, two Jesuits there gave secret information. In his
200 ships, besides 900 Spaniards. The historian Argensola, in telling of 4 special galleys for Dasmariñas
expedition, says that they were manned by an expedient which was generally considered rather harsh.
Morga says that 250 Chinese oarsmen who manned Governor Dasmariñas. According to him it was
covetousness of the wealth abroad that led them to revolt and kill the governor. But Historian Gasper de
San Augustin states that the reason for revolt was the governor's abusive language and his threatening
rowers.
- Religion has a broad field awaiting them in the Philippines. Truth is that ancient activity was scarely for
the Faith alone because missionaries had to go to island rich in spices and gold though they were at hand
Mohammedans and Jews in Spain and Africa, Indians and many more.

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-The attempt made by Rodriguez de Figueroa to conquer Mindanao according to contract with King of Spain,
there was fighting along Rio Grande with the people called Buhahayenes. Their general, according to
Argensola, was later distinguished for many deeds in raids on Bisayas and adjacent islands. Chirino relates
story of his coolness under tragic once, during truce for marriage among Mindanao principalia.
-Argensola has preserved the name of Filipino who killed Rodriguez de Figueroa. It was Ubal. Jesuit writer
calls him traitor though the justification is not apparent. The Buhahayen in their country, had neither offended
or declared war upon Spaniards. They had to defend their homes against powerful invader, with superior
forces, many whom were, reason of their armor, invulnerable as indians. Yet these indians were defenceless
against their muskets. The heroic Spanish people in their war of independence would been more
treacherous.
-The muskets used by Buhayens were probably belonged to Figueroa's soldiers who died in battle. Though
Philippines had 'latakas' and other artillery, muskets were unknown until Spaniards came. The Spaniards
used the word 'discover' carelessly may be seen from admiral's turning of his 'discovery' of Solomon islands
though the islands had been discovered before.
- Death always been the sign of European civilization on introduction in Pacific Ocean. Magellan himself
inaugurated his arrival in Marianes islands by burning more houses, crafts and people. Yet the simple
savages act had nothing wrong in it but was done with same naturalness that civilized people hunt, fish, and
subjugate weak or ill armed.
-The Spanish historians of Philippines never overlook opportunity, suspicion or accident, that may be twisted
something unfavorable to Filipinos. Almost every case the reason for rupture has been some act who were
pretending to civilize helpless people by force of arms and at cost of their native land

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-The Japanese suspected the Spanish and Portuguese religious propaganda to have political motives back
of missionary activities. Witness where Spanish missionaries served as spies. Cambodia, sought to conquer
under cloak converting, and other nations, among them Filipinos, where sacrament of baptism made of
inhabitants not only subjects of King of Spain but also slaves of 'encomenderos', as well slaves of churches
and converts. Missionary record of 1625 that King of Spain arranged certain members of Philippine religious
orders, under preaching faith and making Christians, should win over Japanese and oblige to make
themselves Spanish party.
-The raid by Datus Sali and Silonga of Mindanao, 1599 with sailing vessels and warriors, against capital of
Panay, the act of piracy by inhabitants of South recorded in Philippine history. Remembered that Moro
piracies continued more than centuries, during indomitable sons of South made captives and carried fire and
sword not only neighboring islands but Manila Bay to Malate, to the gates of capital, repeating their raids in
season. Yet the government unable to repel or defend the people whom disarmed and left without protection.
-The Spaniards say that Filipinos contributed nothing to mother Spain, that the islands owe everything. It may
be, but enormous sum of gold was taken from the islands in years of Spanish rule, collected by
'encomenderos', of million dollars yearly collected to pay military, employees, diplomatic agents,
corporations, charged to Philippines. Enormous indeed would benifits that sacred civilization brought to
archipelago in order to counterbalance cost.

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- While Japan preparing to invade Philippines, these islands were sending expeditions to Tonquin and
Cambodia, leaving homeland helpless, even against undisciplined crowd from South, were Spaniards with
idea of making conquest.
-The alleged victory of Morga over Dutch ships, the latter found upon bodies of Spaniards, who lost their lives
in combat, little silver boxes filled with prayers and invocations to saints. Seem to be origin of 'anting anting'
of modern 'tulisanes'. In Morga's time, Philippines exported silk to Japan where now the best quality of
merchandise.
- Morga's views upon failure of Governor Pedro de Acuñas expedition against Moros still apply for same
conditions yet exist. Fear of uprisings and loss of Spain's sovereignty over islands, the inhabitants were
disarmed, leaving exposed the harassing of powerful and terror enemy. The peaceful country folk deprived of
arms and unable to defend themselves against bandits, or 'tulisanes', which government cannot restrain.
- Hernando de los Rios blamed Moluccan wars the fact that Philippines were source of expense to Spain
instead of profitable in spite tremendous sacrifices of Filipinos, their unjustified labor and providing galleons,
despite the tribute, tariffs, other imposts and monopolies. These wars gain Moluccas, with little laboriously
obtained. They depopulated the country and bankrupted treasury, with not compensating benifit.
- Among Filipinos who aided government when Manila Chinese revolted, Argensola says there were
Pampangans armed after their lands, with bows and arrows, short lances, broad and long daggers. Some
Spanish writers say that Japanese volunteers and Filipinos showed cruel in slaughtering Chinese refugees.

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-The lost of Mexican galleons in 1603 called no comment from religious chroniclers who accustomed to see
avenging hand of God in misfortunes and accidents of their enemies. Yet were repeated shipwrecks of
vessels carried from Philippines wealth which 'encomenderos' extorted from Filipinos, using force, making
own laws, cheating by weights and measures.
-The Filipino chiefs who at their expense with Spanish expedition against Ternate, in Moluccas, 1605, were
Don Guillermo Palaot, Maestro de Campo, Captains Francisco Palaot, Juan Lit, Luis Lont, and Agustin Lont.
The leaders put bravely for Argensola writes that in assault in Ternate, no officer, Spaniard or Indian, went
unharmed.
- Ancient traditions ascribe the origin of Malay Filipinos to island of Samatra. These traditions almost lost as
well mythology and genealogies which historians tell, the devotion of missionaries eradicating all national
remembrances as heathen or idolatrous. The chiefs used to wear upper garments, usually Indian fine gauge
according to Colin, red color, which the same fondness that Romans had. The Barbarous tribes in Mindanao
have same taste.
-The 'easy virtue' of native women that historians note is not to simplicity which they obeyed their natural
instincts but more to religious belief which Father Chirino tells. The religious annals of missions filled with
countless instances where native maidens chose death than sacrifice their chastity to treats and violence of
'encomenderos' and Spanish soldiers. The Philippines has no reason to comparing its womankind with
women of most chaste nation in the world.

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- Morga's remark that Filipinos like fish better when start to turn bad is another prejudices which Spaniards
like other nations, have. In terms of food, each is obnoxious with what is unusual or eatable. The Filipinos
favorite fish dish is 'bagong' and whoever tried it knows it is not improved when tainted.
- Colin says ancient Filipinos had minstrels who memorized songs telling their genealogies of the deeds
ascribed to their dieties. These chanted on voyages in rhythm with rowing, festivals, funerals, or any
considerable gatherings. It is regrettable that these chants have not preserved as it would been possible
to learn of Filipinos and possibly of history of neighbouring islands.
- Malate, where Tagalog aristocracy after they were dispossessed by Spaniards of their homes in what
now the walled city of Manila. Among Malate residents were families of Raja Matanda and Raja Soliman.
The men had various positions in Manila and some were employed in government nearby.

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- Morga's statement there was not province or town of Filipinos resisted conversion or did not want it of
civilized natives. But the contrary was among mountain tribes. The testimony of several Dominican and
Augustinian missionaries that was impossible to go anywhere to make conversions without Filipinos and
guard of soldiers. The escort's leader was Don Agustin Sonson who had reputation for carried fire and
sword into the country, killing including the chief, 'kabadi’.
-The Spaniards, says Morga, were accustomed to hold slaves such natives they bought and others they
took in assault conquest or pacification of islands. In respect the 'pacifiers' introduced no moral
improvement. Do not know if in wars the Filipinos used to slaves each other, though that would not been
strange, for chroniclers tell captives returned to their people. The practice of Southern pirates, almost
proves, although these piratical wars the Spaniards were first aggressors and gave their character.

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 The Value of Rizal’s
Annotation
- The value of Rizal's annotations of Sucesos is immense but
through the work, he provided especially Filipino readers with
rich annotative footnotes concerning Philippine culture and
society, alongside complete scholarly referenced resources
and full citations. Most importantly, Rizal's work showed and
illustrated that the Philippines was an advanced civilization
prior to the Spanish conquest.
-The significance of Rizal's noble purpose in working on
Morga's book is prophetically encapsulated in some of his
preface statements: "if the book (Sucesos de Las Islas
Filipinas) succeeds in waking your consciousness of our past,
already effaced from your memory, and to rectify what has
been falsified and slandered, then I have not worked in vain,
and with this as a basis, however small it may be able to study
the Future.

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THANK YOU
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