In few words, if they did not go away they would be killed.

When close and urgent inquiry was made, the native priests were not included in the application of this rule.

The Spanish priests were particularly singled out for vengeance, and with them such others as had been "false to the people" and treacherous in their relations to political affairs.
The number to be exiled or executed was stated at 3,000.

The priests are panicky about this feeling of the natives, as is in evidence in their solicitude to get away.

They at least have no hope of security if the Spaniards should regain the mastery of the islands.