12:15 AM
November 12, 1971
Today I decided to lift the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. This decision I conveyed to Sec. Vicente Abad Santos of Justice who asked for time to think of it although it seems that the Supreme Court Justices are in favor of it according to Sol. Gen. Felix Antonio.
Gen. [Fidel] Ramos felt it would demoralize the armed forces.
But I feel that if the charges should be filed against those against whom there is evidence, there would be no demoralization.
I did not inform the general staff whom I called to a conference:
To pull out the Metrocom [Metropolitan Command] from Metropolitan area of Gen. [Mariano] Ordoñez to train in urban guerilla war in Ft. Magsaysay.
To start retraining the troops in Isabela as they have lost the goodwill of the civilians because of abuses.
To assign Moslem officers and men in the Moslem areas.
To prepare the retirement of all extended officers before the end of the year.
I feel that the 10th BCT [Battalion Combat Team] in Isabela which is now in Isabela should be replaced by the 20th BCT.
With the lifting of the suspension, I am certain that the communists will become
Official Gazette for November 11, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS had another day devoted almost exclusively to desk work.
He was closeted in his private study from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and then from 2:20 p.m. till way past 5 p.m., when he took a breather for a round of golf at the Malacañang Park.
In the course of his afternoon paper work, the President addressed a letter to Acting Secretary of National Defense Efren I. Plana, commending the ROTC cadets for their splendid performance during the November 8 elections.
He hailed the ROTC cadets, including the women’s auxiliary, as “exemplary young people, highly aware of their responsibility and obligation to our country.”
The President said that their high ideals, splendid incorruptibility and courage did much to inspire in turn most of the people, who voted with calmness and prudence.
“I daresay their presence at the polling place in many parts of our country served both to reassure our people and to compel them to carry out their own obligation with continence and self-confidence,” he said.
In saluting the ROTC cadets, the President also thanked all of those “who did their work well,” adding that “they shine as fine examples of our youth.”
The President asked Secretary Plana to convey his message to all concerned.
over-confident and will start violence all over again.
Then we will have proved our point. But we might have an urban guerilla war in our hands. So we have to prepare. I estimate this to happen in the middle of next year at the latest.
It could happen when oil prices are raised. This would be followed by paralyzing [sic] strikes and violence.
But apparently there is no way out of our dilemma.
We are preparing the briefings for the [Robert] McNamara visit.
And the projects for the Japanese commodity loan agreement which will be signed by Gov. [Gregorio] Licaros in Japan on the 19th.
Last night I approved the 16th year Reparations schedule.
Today I instructed Gen. [Manuel] Yan to prepare the briefing for the congressional leaders on the new plans for a unilateral defense posture of the Philippines.
And sent written instructions to Sec. [Jose] Ingles to prepare an in-depth study of the neutralization of Southeast Asia to be taken up in the Minister’s Conference in Kuala Lumpur on Nov. 25. I attach copy of the instructions.
I consider these matters of the utmost priority.
I also ordered a reorganization of the RCA [Rice and Corn Administration] which failed us in the last several months.