Finally:  It seems to us from the experience we have had in this matter, and from what we have seen, that the expeditions sent against these Zambales have been ineffective because this method was not employed.  The plan should be carried out chiefly by means of the Indians of Pampanga and the Zambales of Pangasinan—­people who know the country and its hiding-places and coverts; and who, as being more agile than Spaniards, bear more easily the toils of the march over the routes that have to be traversed, owing to the wildness of the region, which, as is well known, is very great.  In payment of the costs to these Indians, the slaves captured in the war might be apportioned to them; and in virtue of this compact they will not commit the cruelties and murders to be apprehended from them.  Besides, this will benefit the state; for, having more field-hands, they will plow and cultivate more land.  Further, as regards the Panpangos, they will in this way obtain satisfaction for the many and serious wrongs that they have suffered from the Zambales in the way of both murders and robberies.

Such, with all respect for the better judgment of others, is our opinion regarding the matter proposed to us by your Lordship, with command to declare our views.  This we do, recommending always moderation and Christian charity, which should ever be practiced, and especially in dealing with this people—­who, as we have said, do not realize the gravity of their offense; and on whom, therefore, the penalties of the law ought not to be inflicted in all its rigor.  And, to signify that this is our judgment, we confirm it with our names.  Given at San Augustin de Manila, the nineteenth day of January, 1592.

Fray Joan de Valderrama, provincial Fray Alonzo de Castro, definitor Fray Lorenso de Leon, definitor Fray Joan de Tamayo, prior Fray Antonio Serrano, prior Fray Diego Gutierrez Fray Diego Munoz Fray Diego Alvarez Fray Alonso de Montalvan, superior Fray Matthias Manrique Fray Alonso de Paz [32]

[Endorsed:  “Opinion of the Augustinian fathers regarding the Cambales.”  “Opinion of the Augustinian fathers upon waging war against the Zambales.”]

Opinion of the Dominicans

Jesus

Admitting the information received against the Negrillos and certain Zambales, who commit assaults; and admitting (what is generally known) the murders committed daily, both past and present, and which have not been committed in their just defense or in just revenge for injuries—­as is evident because indeed the Batanes, Panpangos, Pangasinanes, and Ylocos (and these last are the worst sufferers) were at peace with them, and, since that peace, neither the Panpangos nor the others have disturbed them in their villages or on the highways, but, on the contrary, have tried to preserve friendly relations;