there was an order from his Majesty which authorized him to appoint
the person whom he thought best to succeed him in case of death,
until such time as his Majesty should appoint his successor. He
showed this order to several of the most important persons of the
island, giving each one to understand that he would be appointed,
especially to Captain Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa, an inhabitant
of Pintados, a rich man of merit, and one of the first conquerors
of the land. To him the governor showed an appointment drawn in his
favor. He made use of the captain on all occasions and had him go with
himself to Maluco. The news of the seizure of the galley was soon
known in Manila. The citizens and soldiers that had remained there,
assembled at the house of Licentiate Pedro de Rojas, to discuss
advisable measures. First of all they elected the latter governor
and captain-general. Then they sent Captain Don Juan Ronquillo del
Castillo and other captains with two frigates (for there were no other
vessels) in pursuit of the galley, a fruitless attempt, for the galley
was nowhere to be seen. The new governor also sent a message to Don
Luis Dasmarinas and to the army and fleet who were awaiting Gomez
Perez in Pintados, informing him of the latter's death and of what
had happened, as well as of his own recent election to affairs of
government. He also ordered them to return with all speed to Manila,
for the city was left almost deserted, and without the necessary
precautions for any emergency.

The news caused great grief in the fleet. Don Luys Dasmarinas and
Captain Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa, each in his own heart, was
certain that he was to become governor, taking it for granted that
the governor had nominated him for the office. With this hope, both
of them with the best ships and crews of the fleet, set sail together
for Manila with the utmost speed.