Los primeros años de Inquisición en Filipinas: Jueces eclesiásticos, el obispo Domingo de Salazar y los comisarios agustinos fray Francisco Manrique y fray Diego Muñoz (1577-1594)

Abstract

This article deals with the activity of the Holly Office of the Inquisition in the Philippines during its initial years (1577-1594). First, it presents the legal proceedings followed by some ecclesiastical judges and by Bishop Domingo de Salazar acting as inquisitor. Then it exposes the conflict of jurisdiction that arose when the inquisitors of the tribunal of Mexico appointed the Augustinian Francisco Manrique as comisario. Finally, it displays the tasks that Diego Muñoz had to deal when he assumed that job of comisario.
The Inquisition in the Philippines does not match the stereotypes of impressive autos de fe, tortures and bonfires. What we find are
low profile cases. Nevertheless, its reports offer direct pictures and testimonies on mentalities and social life.Also, several events centered in Manila with ramifications that reach Mexico, Spain and of course the surrounding geographical space.