Vincent Antonio (Quezon City)
Blood Compact by Ynah Pilarta

Considered as the first international treaty, Spaniard Miguel Lopez de Legazpi entered into a pact called Sandugo with Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuna ensuring friendly relations with the Filipinos on March of 1565. Sandugo or blood compact is a Visayan term which fuses the words isang and dugo meaning one blood.

One ironic thing about the blood compact is its aftermath. Performing Sandugo was relatively significant to the Bohol natives as it symbolized brotherhood and peace. Howbeit, Lopez de Legazpi took possession of the island in the name of King Phillip II few days after the compact. It was the commencement of the 256-year rule of the Spaniards; reason why Spanish influence is very much obvious in Filipino’s culture