Imagine falling asleep for a quick nap and waking up thousands of miles away! This sounds like a scene from a science fiction movie, but for Gil Pérez, a Spanish soldier in the 16th century, it was reality. His story, steeped in mystery, has fascinated people for centuries, hinting at possible teleportation, or something even more bizarre.
A Bizarre Awakening
In the Spanish colonial era, specifically on October 24, 1593, Gil Pérez, a soldier of the Philippine National Guard, found himself in Mexico City’s Plaza Mayor. Bafflingly, he was still in his Philippine uniform! He had no clue how he got there. The previous day he was in the Philippines, guarding the governor’s residence. After the governor, Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas, was assassinated by Chinese pirates, the guards were ordered to wait for a new governor. Overwhelmed by fatigue and stress, Pérez leaned against a wall and dozed off.
From Manila to Mexico in the Blink of an Eye
When he opened his eyes, he was no longer in the Philippines, but an unfamiliar place. Totally disoriented, he was approached by a Mexican patrol officer. The officer, seeing the bewildered soldier in a strange uniform, inquired about his identity. Pérez replied that he was a Spanish soldier from Manila, Philippines. When Pérez was informed he was in Mexico City, he was completely taken aback. He was adamant that he couldn’t possibly be in Mexico because he had been on duty in the Philippines, over 9,000 miles away, just before his nap. 
An Unbelievable Tale
Pérez recounted the events of the previous day, including the governor’s assassination, further fueling the mystery. His story was met with skepticism. A ship from the Philippines to Mexico would take at least two months to arrive. How could a soldier be in Mexico the day after the assassination?
Imprisoned and Labeled
Due to his bizarre clothing and claims, Pérez was detained. The authorities saw him as a deserter, or even a servant of the devil. He was kept in prison for over 60 days, constantly repeating his story. He spoke of the assassination and his strange journey but no one believed his story. His fate seemed bleak – to spend the rest of his days in prison.
Corroboration and Release
Then, a ship called “Manila Galleon,” arrived from the Philippines. The ship brought news of the assassination, which was consistent with Pérez’s story! This was enough to make the authorities raise an eyebrow. Even more surprising, a soldier from the ship recognized Pérez, confirming they had seen him in the Philippines on October 23rd. Faced with undeniable evidence, the authorities had no choice but to release Pérez, who then decided to return to the Philippines and continue his service as a court guard.
The Mystery Continues
This tale of instant teleportation first appeared in Fray Gaspar de San Agustin’s book, “The Spiritual and Temporal Conquest of the Philippine Islands,” published in 1698. San Agustin claimed the story was a true event, but attributed it to witchcraft. In 1900, Mexican folklorist Luis Gonzalez Obregon retold the story as a “phantom” experience and then in 1908, American folklorist Thomas Allibone Janvier published the story in Harper’s Magazine.
UFOs or Something Else?
Some authors suggest a paranormal explanation. Authors like Morris K. Jessup and Brinsley Le Poer Trench believed it could be alien abduction. While the story lacks direct UFO sightings, they claim many similar events have occurred alongside UFO sightings. Another theory suggests it was teleportation, proposed by Colin Wilson and Gary Blackwood, involving the ability to transport oneself across space instantly through either supernatural means or through technological manipulation of space and time.
Regardless of whether it’s alien abduction or teleportation, Gil Pérez’s story remains an enigma. Whether true or not, it’s a puzzling tale that has puzzled people for centuries, prompting a deeper look into the unknown.
