A Spanish expedition around the world led by Portuguese-born Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed on the island called Homonhon on March 17, 1521. Magellan claimed the islands he saw for Spain and named them Islas de San Lázaro. He established friendly relations with some of the local leaders especially with Rajah Humabon and converted some of them to Roman Catholicism. In the Philippines, they explored many islands including the island of Mactan. However, Magellan was killed during the Battle of Mactan against the local datu, Lapu - Lapu.