freely and safely, without any fear of slavery, in virtue of holy
obedience and under pain of excommunication, we order and command
all and singular the persons dwelling in those islands--of no matter
what state, degree, condition, rank, and dignity--on the publication
of these presents to set wholly free, without any craft and deceit,
whatever Indian slaves and serfs they may have; nor for the future
shall they in any manner, contrary to the edict or command of the
said King Philip, take or keep captives or slaves.

For the rest, as it would be difficult [to send] these present letters
to all and singular the aforesaid islands, etc.

Given at Rome, at St. Peter's, under the seal of the Fisherman,
April 18, 1591, the first year of our pontificate.




Articles of Contract for the Conquest of Mindanao


Gomez Perez Dasmariñas, governor and captain-general of these
Philipinas Islands for the king, our sovereign, etc.:

His Majesty orders and charges me, by his royal instructions and
decrees, as the most worthy and important thing in these islands,
to strive for the propagation of our holy faith among the natives
herein, their conversion to the knowledge of the true God, and
their reduction to the obedience of His holy church and of the king,
our sovereign; and to this end and object his Majesty has given me