Monday
Am writing this at 11:20 PM, April 7th, as we have been rather busy.
Overnight from Surigao, Surigao which we left at about 8:00 PM to arrive at Cagayan de Oro at about 8:00 AM on the 6th. Inaugurated the only two-kilometer cemented airfield in Mindanao. Laoag is not cemented and is only presently 1,800 meters only but I am extending it. I could see Sen. [Emmanuel] Pelaez titillated when I said that of the triumvirate ([Diosdado] Macapagal, Pelaez, Marcos) of bar-topnotchers in the Congress of 1949 only Pelaez has not become President.
Flew by Fokker, Imelda using an Avro chartered from PAL to Zurallah in Allah Valley where we had lunch after a tumultuous welcome of all the mayors of Cotabato del Sur, Gov. Morales and Cong. [James] Chiongbian. Had [Mohammad] Ali Dimaporo and [Floro] Floring Crisologo with us. Flew by Huey Helicopter at 1:30 PM to Bo. Comatok (a 15 minute flight including flying around) where the PANAMIN [Presidential Assistant on National Minorities] project is for the Tagabili, Obo or Manobo and the Blaan’s or Bilaans. I proclaimed a 5,000 hectare reservation for them and without prejudice to existing rights of grazing land leases and homesteaders.
Then flew at 4:00 PM to the Lake Sebu area where there has been some bloodshed and burning of villages because of land conflicts. At 5:00 helicoptered to Dole Phil. where we are now staying with the Velascos. Ronnie [Geronimo Velasco] who met us in Zurallah is President of Dole Phil.
Had time for four holes of golf, two with the aid of a flashlight. Dave Gores, the plantation superintendent, was my caddy. South Cotabato Press & Radio Interview. Slept at 12:00. Woke up 9:50 AM.
Office of the President
of the Philippines
Malacañang