Magalang, Pampanga at 8:50 AM—40 minutes by Huey helicopter (______ and Reynoso as pilots) from Malacañang, for the new approach to land reform.
Official Gazette for April 30, 1970: President Marcos spent most of the day out of Malacañang, as he visited Magalang, Pampanga where he participated in the rites breaking ground for the model farm community project in that town, inspected the Home Defense Force at San Isidro, a barrio of that town, and finally attended as guest of honor the anniversary celebration of the Tabak Division in Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija, as well as the graduation exercises of the 20-year-old military trainees.
In Magalang, the President said the success of the -pilot project will determine the future policy of the administration in pressing the land reform program.
At San Isidro, the President announced that he had ordered the Armed Forces to organize home defense forces in every barrio where there is need for it, notably in Tarlac and Pampanga, as well as in other provinces. The President congratulated the organizers of the barrio home defense force and expressed the hope that it will be able to provide the necessary protection against lawless elements.
Barrio San Isidro is vital to the maintenance of peace and order in Central Luzon because it lies at the very heart of Huklandia. It used to be a Huk sanctuary.
The President, the First Lady, Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos, their children, imee, Irene and Bongbong, left Malacañang at about 8:30 and flew to Magalang where they were met by a large delegation headed by Magalang Mayor Daniel Lacson, Filipinas Foundation Chairman Enrique Zobel, Rep. Jose B. Lingad and Gov. Francisco Nepomuceno of Pampanga.
After the ground-breaking ceremony, the President proceeded to Barrio San Isidro where he inspected the home Defense Force, before flying on to Fort Magsaysay. Upon arrival at Fort Magsaysay, the President and his party proceeded to the post chapel for the Te Deum., and then to the parade ground where military honors and a review were rendered.
After addressing the armed forces and the graduate trainees, the President witnessed a demonstration of an infantry battalion attack stage by elements of the Tabak Division with the support of helicopter units. After the demonstration and lunch at the officers Rest House, the President and his family returned to Manila, arriving at Malacañang about 2 p. m.
Among those present at the Fort Magsaysay ceremonies were government officials led by Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr., Reps. Leopoldo Diaz and Angel D. Concepcion, and Governor Eduardo Joson; and the Armed Forces led by Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile, General Manuel Yan. AFP chief of staff. Brig. Gen. Rafael Ileto, commanding general of the Philippine Army, Brig. Gen. Jesus Singson, chief of the Philippine Air Force, and Brig. Gen. Eduardo Garcia, chief of the PC and former commanding general of the Tabak Division.
In the afternoon, the President nominated Angel Limjoco, Jr. and Vicente Paterno as members of the Board of Investments. The President submitted to the Commission on Appointments for confirmation the names of 14 successful candidates for the post of Foreign Affairs Officer, Class IV, and as Vice Consul, who passed the prescribed examination given last year. Nominated were Maxie S. Aguillon, Bernarditas de Castro, Romeo A. Arguelles, Eloy Bello III, Jose U. Fernandez, Juanito P. Jarasa, Fortunate D. Ablena, Alfredo L. Almendrala, Clemencio F. Montesa, Ernesto C. Tullid, Edmundo B. Libid, Fructuoso D. Calagui, Erlinda D. Fadera, and Oscar G. Valenzuela.
The President also issued an executive order naming additional members to the National Social Action Council.
San Isidro, Magalang for an inspection of the Home Defense forces or the self-defense forces. It is a model. They have a good 93 men. But their trenches need overhead cover as the Huks have M-79’s.
10:30—Fort Magsaysay, 30 minutes by helicopter. Graduation of 6 months trainees mostly from Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan; 34th Anniversary of the Tabak Division and a demonstration of the Infantry Battalion with tank armor, artillery support (105’s and mortars 81 & 42) and helicopter transport. We must improve our artillery and use the helicopters for fire support. Communications good—all messages in Tagalog. The “over” sounded strange when translated into “Tapos.” Air drop of the pathfinders off the drop zone. Vice Chief of Staff Romeo Espino dropped with them from 6,000 feet. In actual combat they drop from 12,000 three days before combat to mark out the drop zone. Two of them were carried by an updraft two miles beyond camp.
Objective was a hill marked with a circle. Artillery preparation four minutes only.
Arrived Manila by Fokker 2:30—30 minute flight. Conference on Labor Day possible violence. Golf—only 5 holes. Have recovered my wrist action and am hitting harder.
Cesar Virata and the export tax bill at 8:30 PM while I was conferring with Ralph Nubla. Cesar came with Dr. [Gerardo] Sicat who has agreed to take over the chairmanship of the NEC [National Economic Council]. He is a UP professor.
Then met with the labor leaders headed by Johnny C. Tan who all denied they had anything to do with the withdrawal of the invitation for me to speak at their rally tomorrow. Instead I invited them to lunch where my speech will be videotaped for broadcast at 6:00 PM.
The MDP [Movement for a Democratic Philippines] and Kabataan may start violence tomorrow.
But if they learn we are prepared to take severe counter-action, they may not even attempt to do anything.