For 160 years from 1595 to 1758, all the Bishops of
the Diocese of Nueva Segovia in Lallo Cagayan, starting
with Fray Miguel Benavides, the first bishop, to Fray Diego de Soria preferred to stay in Vigan due to the deteriorating
condition of Lallo at that time. Malaria was endemic to the
place and was constantly flooded during the rainy season.
The Rio Grande de Cagayan was eroding and destroying
the site of the Diocese leading to a progressive decay of the
town.