1:00 AM Oct. 17th
Worked on the establishment of new settlements for the squatters who will be displaced upon the destruction of their houses.
And the proclamation transferring ownership of the rice and corn lands to the tenants paying 25% of the average yield for 15 years—this payment shall include 6% interest.
Then met South Cotabato Gov. [Sergio] Morales, Cong. James Chiongbian and some mayors, the mayors of the two Lanaos led by the President of the mayors league of Lanao del Sur, Mayor Palawan Disomimba who were accompanied by the Sec. of National Defense, the military and other leaders. I attach the list.
Met Gov. [Dominador] Camerino of Cavite, S. P. [Salvador] Lopez of the U.P. [University of the Philippines] inducted Under Sec. Jose Drilon as the Under Sec. of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Received Datu Mafalen of the Ubos, Mai Juan of the T’boli. Datu ______ of the ______ and the Moslems of Palawan ______ covered by TV.
In the afternoon I met the Chief of Police (about 1,000) at 4:00 PM and explained the objectives of our cause.
Then met the Greater Manila mayors and chiefs of Police.
Official Gazette for October 16, 1972: PRESIDENT MARCOS reminded local officials of Lanao del Sur and South Cotabato of their primary responsibility of maintaining peace and order in their respective jurisdictions. At the same time, the President also warned leaders of cultural minorities from Mindanao and Palawan against possible infiltration by the communists. The occasion was the call at Malacañang of officials from the cultural minority areas who pledged their support and loyalty to the President and their whole-hearted approval in the proclamation of Martial Law in the country.
In a meeting with mayors and chiefs of police in the Greater Manila area, the President:
(1) Announced the creation of the Department of Local Governments with Governor Jose Roño of Samar as acting secretary;
(2) Informed them of their membership in the Metropolitan Manila Flood Control and Drainage Council under Presidential Decree No. 18;
(3) Proposed a formula for revaluing real estate properties and increasing tax collections;
(4) Directed Brig. Gen. Crispino de Castro, POLCOM chairman, to study the standardization of salaries of policemen and to look for sources of funding;
(5) Asked the city and municipal mayors to submit to the PC lists of notorious police characters who may be picked up for questioning and investigation.
The President also enjoined all police officers and men throughout the country to discard partisan politics and from now on be guided only by their solemn duty to their country and people. Addressing some 800 chiefs of police on the last day of their national convention at Malacañang, the President pledged to extend protection to them if they did their duty properly, but at the same time warned them of severe punishment if he found them remiss in their jobs.