Bankaw biography channel

(Ca.1622)

Rebel Chieftain of Limasawa

One of the first converts to Catholicism under the conquistador

Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, Datu Bankaw was the old chief of Limasawa, site of the ‘first’ Catholic mass held in the Philippines.

Bankaw biography channel

He receives a royal gift from the Spanish monarch Philip II in recognition of his grandfather’s hospitality to the navigator Magellan. Later, in appreciation of his own hospitality toward Legaspi and his men, whom he provided with food and other provision, the Spanish king sent him a letter of gratitude.

In 1622, after around 50 years of peaceful life within the Catholic fold, Bankaw apostatized.

Earlier, on the island of Bohol, the babaylan Tamblot

Had instigated a religious revolt against the Spaniards. Assuring the natives of divine aid from the Diwatas, he had convinced them of victory over their Spanish oppressors.

Although his insurrection was quelled by the alcalde mayor of Zebu (Cebu), it had spread to Leyte , where