Simón de Anda y Salazar

Simón de Anda y Salazar (Subijana (Basque Country), October 28, 1701 - Cavite, October 30, 1776) was Spanish governor of the Philippines from October 6, 1762-March 17, 1764 and again from July, 1770-October 30, 1776.

He had been appointed lieutenant of the governor and captain-general in Manila at the time of the British expedition against Manila. He left Manila on October 4, 1762, two days before the fall of the city and established a new capital in Bacolor, Pampanga.
He had himself proclaimed governor as acting governor Archbishop Manuel Rojo was captured by the British and ceded the islands to them. He organised the resistance against the invaders, but was confronted by several insurrections of Filipinos and Chinese between 1762 and 1764, as central Spanish power had collapsed.

He entered in negotiations with the British and received the keys to the city from them in April 1764, when they withdrew in accordance with the Treaty of Paris (1763).

Het then travelled to Spain and was well received at court, and made Councilor of Castile. He directed a letter to the King complaining of certain disorders in the Philippines, enumerating among them a number against the Friars.

On April 12, 1768 her returned in Manila and became governor in July 1770.
He proceeded against his predecessor and others; roused the opposition of the regulars, reformed the army and engaged in other public works. The troubles with the Moros continued. He opposed the King's order of November 9, 1774, to secularize the curacies held by regulars, and had the order repealed, December 11, 1776.

His rule was characterized by his energy, foresight, honesty, and conflicts with the regulars, or religious orders.

He died on October 30, 1776, in the hospital de San Felipe, Cavite at seventy-six years of age.

A monument to his memory was erected on Bonifacio Avenue in Manila.

The cities San Simon in Pampanga, and Anda in Bohol were named after him.

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