The reaction time of the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] to the situation in Diguyo Bay was too long. Troops and communication were not too ready nor was air transport.
The Air Force and Navy have bombarded the installations of the NPA [New People’s Army] now estimated to number 200 or more, preparatory to ground troops assault.
Was interviewed by Mr. ______. I attach the papers of the Japanese Economic.
At 4:00 PM attended the opening of the Educational Book Exhibition on board the “Logos” a 278 ft, 2,300 ton ship based in Singapore, now docked at Pier 15.
I donated some books including mine. And in my remarks of welcome I said: “You have come on a noble mission that strikes a chord of response in our hearts. For you symbolize the primacy of the spirit over matter, the mind over the body and thought over environment. This is typically Asian which is still beset by man’s ancient enemies—impoverishment, illness and disease and ignorance.”
“Where the politicians, the would-be statesmen, the orators and talkers fail, may you succeed—to unify all men into one family of peace and progress.”
“While there are men and women like you, there is hope for the human race.”
Nick Jimenez and his brother Ramon came to give me a copy of the statement to be read by Delegate Eduardo Quintero tomorrow at the Concon [Constitutional Convention]. I attach copy.
Official Gazette for July 10, 1972: THE PRESIDENT buckled down to paper work shortly before 9 a.m., breaking off from his desk at 12:30 for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, the President, together with the First Lady and their daughter Irene, visited the M/V Logos docked at Pier 15, believed to be the world’s only “floating library” which arrived in Manila from India and Singapore in the course of a worldwide exhibit tour.
In brief remarks before the crew of the “floating library,” the President paid tribute to the crew members and volunteers manning it, saying that “so long as there are men and women idealistic and dedicated like you, then all is not dark for the family of men.”
In welcoming the crew members and volunteers, the President said that “this extraordinary mission which brought you to the Philippines is something which is close to our heart. The idea of a floating library on the high seas traveling from one port to another is certainly a very inspired idea.”
The First Couple and daughter Irene bought several books from the floating library. The President in turn gave the library books on Dr. Jose Rizal and Apolinario Mabini, History of the Philippines, and lectures on other great Filipinos. He likewise presented them a copy of his book, entitled “Today’s Revolution-Democracy.”
The President was back to desk work early evening.
Sen. Lorenzo Teves and Cong. Jose Alberto came to ask me to agree to the compromise on the budget—cut out the power to transfer except on calamities and contingencies, cut AFP funds by about P100 M, the rural cooperative to P100 M P50 M to be supported from savings, the Intelligence fund to be intact, so with savings to include the AFP and rural cooperatives.
I am asking them to hold decision until the 20th of the month.