Background

 


Ferdinand Magellan observed the mountains of what is now Samar on March 16, 1521 (Spanish calendar) while on an expedition to locate a westward path to the Moluccas Islands for Spain. The advent of the first Europeans in the Archipelago was commemorated by this occasion. Magellan ordered his troops to anchor their ships on the shores of Homonhon Island the next day. He made friends with Rajah Kulambu and Rajah Siagu, the Limasawa chieftains, who led him to Cebu. Magellan's influence with Rajah Humabon, an order was issued to the neighboring chiefs, requiring each of them to supply food supplies for the ships as well as convert to Christianity. The majority of the chiefs complied with the command. The only chieftain to show opposition was Datu Lapu-Lapu, one of the two chiefs on the island of Mactan. In these matters, Lapu-Lapu refused to recognise Rajah Humabon's authority. 

On Friday, April 26th, Zula, the second chief of Mactan, sent one of his sons to bring two goats to the captain-general, and to explain that he would send him what he had promised, but that he had not been able to do so because the other chief, Lapu-Lapu, refused to obey the king of Spain.

Magellan saw an opportunity to improve existing friendship relations with the ruler of the Visaya region and decided to help him subdue the rebellious Datu Lapu-Lapu by going to the island of Mactan and forcing his subject chieftain Datu Lapu-Lapu to obey his instructions..

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