Malacañang
Saturday
10:00 AM
[p.61] I write this tonight having been a little occupied last night during the demonstration or riot. I am glad I was able to hold back on the repeated requests to fire at the rioters, the first request when they took over a fire truck, burned it and rammed it against Gate 4, broke the lock and rushed into compound near the new Administration Bldg., the second when they threatened to do the same on Gate 3.
Have delivered a TV speech, called all the mayors of Metropolitan Manila and Gen. [Nicasio] Rodriguez [Jr.] to work out a coordinated plan. Mayor [Antonio] Villegas kept explaining why the MPD [Manila Police District] police did not come to help us in Malacañang (nor the fire trucks of the MFD [Manila Fire Department] either).
Conferred with the military (Sec. of Nat. Def. [Secretary of National Defense], Chief of Staff, Chiefs of the major services and their staffs).
Then with the political leaders.
Most felt there should be no repression. So I have had to delay the suspension of the privilege of Habeas Corpus. We will await developments. I understand the demonstrators will hit the PNB [Philippine National Bank] and Metropolitan Branches next. The PCC [Philippine College of Commerce] demonstration of [Nemesio] Prudente was called off. But I gather there will be a big demonstration next Tuesday and/or March 3rd.
When they do so again, they may be armed with firearms. In the meantime I can only gnash my teeth and wait.
[p.62] These are difficult days for everybody. But I pity the citizenry caught in the crossfire last night. For the rioters were sniping at the MPD, Metrocom and soldiers with .22’s.
I suppose that the people now sympathize with me, especially if these vandals continue their destructive anarchy.
But Chino [Joaquin] Roces still seemed hostile in the meeting with publishers when I requested support for my position in the matter of the rioters. And Teddy [Teodoro] Locsin [Sr.] tonight could not see in it anything but that reform must come by
73 No Official Gazette entry for this day.