Proem

The so-called battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521 between Lapu Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan is a famous historical event. However, there is much information that our history books do not properly inform us.

Going To Battle

The sixty (60) Spaniards led by Magellan left Cebu at midnight April 26, 1521. They were aboard three (3) boats or bote of the galleons. They were accompanied by Humabon and his son together with his men on board 20 to 30 balanghay boats. The Spaniards were wearing body armor and helmets. The group arrived in Mactan 3 hours before dawn or about 3 A.M. of April 27.

The boats anchored more than 2 crossbow flights (about 600 m.) away from shore.

Magellan did not commence to fight immediately. He sent messengers to Lapu Lapu to ask him to submit to the authority of the Spanish King and the King of Cebu (Humabon). The actual reason for not fighting immediately was that the natives of Mactan dug pit holes with stakes and covered them to protect their houses. Magellan was afraid that his men would fall into the pit holes in the dark.

The Battle

Magellan bragged to the Cebuanos that the Spaniards alone could defeat Lapu Lapu and his men. Magellan did not allow the Cebuanos to participate in the fight. Forty-nine (49) Spaniards disembarked from their boats at sunrise.

The Spaniards waded the almost 600 meters distance from their boat to shore. About 1,500 natives armed with bows and arrows, spears, and cutlasses met them. The natives were divided into 3 groups, one group at both flanks and one group in front of the Spaniards. The Spaniards divided themselves into 2 groups.

The battle commences with the Spaniards at the boat firing their muskets and cannons. The cannons were not effective because it was too far away. It could not reach the battle area. The Spaniards with Magellan fired their muskets but the shields of the natives absorbed the bullets. After 30 minutes of fighting, Magellan ordered that the houses of the natives be burned. The natives defended their houses although 20 to 30 houses were burned. However, two Spaniards were killed in that skirmish.

The action of Magellan and the reaction of his men identified the person who was the leader (Magellan). All the 1,500 natives rush up on Magellan. The Spaniards were terrified and fled. A poisoned arrow hit Magellan on his right leg. He could not run. Only 6 or 8 men, including Pigafetta, stayed with Magellan who was retreating slowly. They waded in the water to protect their exposed legs. The rest of the Spaniards returned to their boats. However, Magellan was again hit in his face and left leg and fell down.

While the natives were busy killing Magellan, Pigafetta and the others withdrew towards their boats.

The natives of Mactan pursued the withdrawing Spaniards. Upon seeing the situation, the natives of Cebu disembarked in order to help in the battle. At the same instant also, the Spaniards at the boat fired their mortars or cannons to make a covering fire for the withdrawing Spaniards. The cannon balls, instead of hitting the Mactan natives, hit the Cebu natives and killed 4 of them.

The Casualties

Fifteen (15) Mactan natives and four (4) Cebu natives died during the battle. Eight (8) Spaniards, including Magellan, died. Almost all the Spaniards who disembarked were wounded.

We do not have the record of the natives that died. However, we have the records of the Spaniards who died. They were the following: 1) Ferdinand Magellan, 2) Cristobal de Rabelo, 3) Franco de Espinosa, 4) Juan de Torres, 5) Rodrigo Nieto, 6) Anton Gallego, 7) Pedro Gomez, and 8) Anton de Escobar, who died of his wounds two days later on April 29, 1521.

Comment

The braggadocio of Ferdinand Magellan actually caused his death. Why Magellan did not allow the almost 900 Cebuanos (30 balanghay x 30 men = 900) to participate in the battle, was Magellan's major fault.

Here is the untold story. While Magellan was fighting in Mactan, his men that were left in Cebu committed rape among the Cebuano maidens.

Next issue, we will discuss the revenge of the Cebuanos on May 1, 1521 where 27 Spaniards were killed.

References: 1. "Coleccion General De Documentos Relativos A Las Islas Filipinas Existentes En El Achivo De Indios De Sevilla." Doc. Num. 117,1522. Compania General De Tabacos De Filipinas, Tomo III (1519-1522), Barcelona, 1920.

2. Blair and Robertson, "The Phil. Islands," Vol. 33, pp. 175-183.