THE DAWN OF HISTORY IN THE PHILIPPINES
EUFRONIO M. ALIP, Ph. Litt.D. Editor
JOSE P. APOSTOL, M.A. GREGORIO C. BORLAZA, Ph.D. Associate Editors
LINIITED EDITION
Reprented with permision from the Journal of History of the Philippine National Hiistorical Society Volume Xl, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4. (1963)
pp 15-16

April 20, a chief from the neighboring island of Mactan sends a small present to Magalhaes, with the request to aid him with a boat load of men against the chief Cilapulapu, who refuses allegiance to Spain. Magalhaes in his ardor, and notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends, leads three boat loads of men (sixty in all) to the island, where having ordered the king of Cebui to be a witness of the battle only, he engages the natives. Disastrous indeed does that day prove, for beset by multitudes of foes, the Europeans are compelled to retreat, and the retreat becomes a rout, the personal bravery of Magalhaes and a few of his closest friends only saving the men from almost complete massacre. Recognizing the leader, the natives make their greatest efforts against him, and finally he is killed while knee deep in the wcter, but after all the others are saved. Pigafetta's lament is tragic and sorrowful; they "killed our mirror, our light, our comfort, and our true guide." Insolent in their victory, the natives refuse to give up the body of the slain leader at the request of the king of Cebu.