Lapu-Lapu

Timeline

1. c. 1521Mactan Island · CebuPigafetta says Mactan (Matan) had two chiefs: Sula and Silapulapu. After Magellan allied with Cebu's Rajah Humabon and demanded neighboring chiefs submit, pay tribute, and convert, Sula sent gifts seeking aid, while Lapu-Lapu blocked submission and refused to recognize Humabon's and Spain's authority. Whether the two were co-rulers or rivals cannot be determined from the sources.
2. 1521Mactan beach · Mactan IslandIn the early hours of April 27, 1521, Magellan led about sixty Spaniards and Humabon's warboats toward Mactan. Reefs prevented the fleet from reaching shore, and the landing party fought in shallow water against outnumbering Mactan warriors. Pigafetta records the opponents using kampilan blades, shields, and javelins; once Magellan was recognized he was focused and killed along with several companions, and the bodies were not returned. The battle halted Spain's foothold in Cebu and the fleet soon withdrew; effective Spanish colonization of the archipelago only began with the Legazpi expedition of 1565.