[5] The name Jiabong is a combination of the terms “Hiya-an” which means a “place of preparation before an attack” and “bong” which is actually “the sound of a canon gun”.

According to the legend, during Spanish time, villagers from Motiong, Paranas and San Sebastian fled to Casandig (now Jiabong) to seek refuge from the invading pirates who killed, robbed and held them as captives.

To rescue the villagers, the Spanish soldiers and guardia civil camped at Casandig and mounted their preparations for an eventual pirate attack.

The Spanish soldiers cried “Ensiqueda Fuego, Hia-bong!” as cannons were fired on the invaders.

During the Filipino-American war in 1900 to 1904, Catbalogan, Samar, the capital town, was placed under military rule.