Don Gonzalo Ronquillo was in such poor health from the day on which
he entered upon his administration, that he died in the year one
thousand five hundred and eighty-three, and his body was buried in
the monastery of St. Augustine in Manila.

His kinsman, Diego Ronquillo, by virtue of his appointment through
a decree of his Majesty, succeeded him in the governorship; this man
continued what Don Gonzalo had commenced, especially in the assistance
for Maluco and pacification for other islands.

During the same term of Diego Ronquillo, a fire broke out in the city
of Manila, which started at midday in the church of the convent of
St. Augustine, while the doors of the church were closed. The fire
increased so rapidly that all the city was burned in a few hours,
as it was built of wood. There was great loss of goods and property,
and some persons were in danger. The city was rebuilt with great
difficulty and labor, leaving the Spaniards very poor and needy. [32]

The main result of the matters treated at court by Mariscal Gabriel
de Ribera was (although at that time the death of Governor Don
Gonzalo Ronquillo was unknown) to order the establishment of a
royal Audiencia in the city of Manila, whose president was to be
governor and captain-general of all the Filipinas. In view of this,
the necessary instructions were issued, and the presidency given to
Doctor Sanctiago de Vera, alcalde of the Audiencia of Mexico, and a
native of the town of Alcala de Henares. He went to the islands with
the usual reenforcements from Nueva Espana, taking with him the royal
seal of the Audiencia, the auditors whom his Majesty was sending, the
fiscal, and other officials and assistants of the said Audiencia. The