in his bishopric.

During this period occurred the persecution of Christians in Japón
by the emperor Dayfusama, and the martyrdom of our blessed martyrs
in that kingdom. [45]

Our enemy the Dutch also came with seventy [_sic_] vessels to Playa
Honda in Zambales, seeing that they were unable to attain their
designs--namely, to capture the port of Cavite, and change the minds
of the natives, turn them from the service and homage of our Catholic
monarch, and render them allies to themselves. But on Saturday, April
7, 1617, our fleet left Cavite under command of Master-of-camp Don
Juan Ronquillo, who had the happiness and good luck to sink several
of their vessels, burn another, and put the rest to flight amid the
islands. Our fleet remained intact, except for two vessels which
were roughly handled. May 8, 1618, the fleet returning to the port
of Cavite, was received with great pomp and joy because of their
happy victory, which they had obtained by the Divine favor. Salutes
were fired in honor of Nuestra Señora de Guía [_i.e._, "our Lady of
Guidance"], and Don Juan Ronquillo was acclaimed as the father of
this land and its savior from the Dutch enemy, who were trying to
conquer this archipelago.

Our religious who were assigned to the Bisayan provinces went to their
respective destinations, and arrived safely, thanks to the Lord,
notwithstanding the dangerous seas among the islands in the season
of báguios and hurricanes. But they were courageous, and confided in
the obedience that conquers all things.

In the beginning of the month of September, father Fray Juan de Rivera,