Founded in 1860 by Augustinian Recollect priest, Fr. Miguel Alvarez, Murcia is believed to have gotten its name from a town in Spain.  During the Second World War, its municipal hall was used as a garrison by the Japanese, who were constantly attacked by guerillas who drove them out on April 21, 1945.  It was in the mountains of Murcia where a Free Negros Government was set up under Gov. Alfredo Montelibano, Sr.