In 1576 He was sent to relieve Ghent castle. That same year, the Tercio mutinied for lack of pay and fortified themselves in Alost. Taking advantage of the situation and the power vacuum after the death of governor general Luis de Requesens, William of Orange held a general revolt, declaring  all Spanish and those who collaborated with them, "rebels". So, German and Walloon troops of Antwerp switched sides, allowing Dutch troops to enter the city, who besieged the citadel, commanded by Sancho d'Avila. In this situation, Juan del Aguila convinced the mutineers from Alost to march to Antwerp to help his countrymen, then taking the city, but causing the infamous Sack of Antwerp