Met the mayors of Ilocos Norte with governor, congressman, treasurer and auditor.
Distributed about P8 million of their share of the excess income tax which I have asked the BIR [Bureau of Internal Revenue] to allocate.
Will do the same for the other provinces.
Before that met with the Sec. of National Defense, Chief of Staff and major service commanders on the establishment of naval stations at Bicobian Bay, Casiguran and San Vicente, airfields close to them, finish the road from Ilagan to Palanan as well as the Ysmael logging road from Maddela to south of Casiguran with the help of the loggers (had Sec. [Arturo] Tanco [Jr.] in the conference as well as Al Lim and Valeriano Bueno whose logging concession includes Palanan und south to Dagollorin River).
We have decided to organize a brigade from the 1st Regular Div. (Tabak) to sweep the eastern part of Isabela to capture the estimated 400 NPA’s [New People’s Army] who are up to now concealed thereat.
The boys that assaulted the 1st camp had to rest and the weather was foul.
Manila Times and Daily Mirror, Chronicle and ABS-CBN are belittling the Armed Forces as usual as well as the achievement of the discovery of the smuggling of firearms.
I announced today that the conspiracy for subversion, insurgency and rebellion is more alarming than we originally imagined. And we are reassessing the contingency plans of the military.
This will probably be given a big play tomorrow.
Although I did say that there is no reason for hysteria or panic because the Armed Forces can handle the situation.
In accordance with the decision this noon Task Force Palanan has been organized.
Official Gazette for July 15, 1972: THE PRESIDENT conferred in the afternoon with Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and military top brass on the updating of military contingency plans.
Present at the conference held at the President’s private study, were General Romeo Espino, AFP chief of staff; Brig. Gen. Fidel Ramos, PC chief; and Brig. Gen. Rafael Zagala, PA commander.
The President spent the whole morning on state papers and other matters of state, notably the development plans for harbor and airport facilities in Luzon.
I attach copy of instructions.