What was the term used to refer to the early police in the Philippines during the Spanish era?

The term "Guardillo" refers specifically to the early policing entities in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. These local enforcement groups were often responsible for maintaining order and carrying out the directives of colonial authorities. The Guardillo was integral in the administration of justice and control within communities, acting as the initial form of organized policing in the Philippines.

In contrast, "Guardia civil" refers to a later established national police force in Spain and its colonies, which also includes the Philippines but was not the term used for the earlier localized policing. "Safe guard" and "Manpowers" do not have a historical context related to the policing of that era in the Philippines and are not associated with the early forms of law enforcement established during Spanish rule. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the evolution of law enforcement in the Philippines and the terms that defined its early systems.