News having been received in Spain of the conquest and taking possession of the Philippine Islands by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, and of his death, his Majesty appointed as governor and captain-general of these islands, Dr. Francisco de Sande, a native of Caceres, alcalde of the Audiencia of Mexico; and he sailed thither, and entered upon his government, in the year 1575.

During this government the pacification of the islands continued, and especially that of the province of Camarines, by means of Captain Pedro de Chaves, who several times came to blows with the natives until he subjected them, and they submitted. A Spanish town was founded in that province, and the name of city of Caceres was given to it. Amongst other enterprises, the governor in person made an expedition to the island of Borneo with a fleet of galleys and frigates. With these he attacked and took the enemy's fleet, which had come out to meet him. He then took the principal town, in which the king of the island had his house and residence. Having remained there a few days, he abandoned it on account of the sickness of his crews, and from not being able to maintain or preserve the lives of the Spaniards in the island, and returned to Manila. On the way, by his orders, Captain Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa went into the island of Jolo (Sulu or Holo), and fought with the inhabitants and their chief, and conquered them, and they made submission to him in the name of his Majesty.