This week’s milestones (Jan. 29 to Feb. 3)

Jan. 29, 2015

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed a pact in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the decommissioning of the firearms of the Moro group.

Feb. 2, 1543

Spanish explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos became the first to explore the island of Mindanao. He named the island “Cesarea Caroli.”

Feb. 2, 1818

The province of Ilocos was divided into Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur through a Spanish royal decree. Laoag City was made the capital of Ilocos Norte, while Vigan City remained the capital of Ilocos Sur.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research

Sources: Historical Calendar (1521-1969), Inquirer Archives, DOT, gov.ph, bukidnon.gov.ph