It is now definite that fifty grenades were sold by Magsino (Rogelio) to Leoncio (Alias Baby) Manalaysay which the latter sold to Len Oreta, the brother-in-law of Sen. [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.]. The sale took place in June 1971 in front of the Filipinas Hotel. But Oreta seems to be in hiding.
In April 1971 Mrs. Majella Costales wife of Sgt. Costales of Log Support, Metrocom [Metropolitan Command] sold two grenades to Magsino for P43.00 which she bought from Mrs. Facer for P35.00.
I attach the report.
Official Gazette for August 27, 1971: President Marcos as usual received numerous callers, while also doing his regular stint at his office desk and holding conferences on various matters with public officials.
Among those who called early in the morning at Malacañang was Msgr. Carmine Rocco, Papal Nuncio here. He called to say goodbye as he prepared for a two-month vacation. Also making a farewell call was Ryoichi Sasagawa, Japanese Philantropist, who left at 2 p.m. for Tokyo shortly after he saw the President. Sasagawa offered to donate Y60 million worth of medical equipment to the Philippines, and also expressed his desire to help in the anti-communist campaign. The President asked Dr. Pacifico E. Marcos, chairman of the Medical Care Commission, to prepare a list of medical equipment needed by Medicare to form-the basis of the donation.
At mid-morning, the President conferred with Gov. Delfin N. Montano of Cavite and Lino Bocalan, an aspirant for the governorship of that province. The meeting was held to avert violence in the election in the province. Another meeting was set to resolve the issue.
A large group of customs collectors, led by Customs Commissioner Rolando Geotina, next saw the President to pay their respects following the close of the group’s conference. Others callers through the day included: 1. Rep. Antonio M. Diaz of Zambales and Mayor Amelia Gordon of Olongapo City, who consulted the President on local problems. 2. Rep. Herminio Teves of Negros Oriental, who accompanied officials of two cooperatives formed by displaced workers in Bais.
In connection with the call, the President issued Administrative Order No. 298, which constituted a committee to study the problem of excess workers in sugar plantations, with an eye to resettling and rehabilitating them. The President named the secretary of labor as chairman of the committee, with the Land Authority governor as vice chairman.
Named members of the committee were a representative of the Agricultural Credit Administration, the executive, director of the Cottage Industries Development Enterprises, the director general of the Manpower and Youth Council, the PNB president, the director of the Bureau of Soils, and the administrator of the PHILSUGIN.
The cooperatives are the La Paz Hangyad Workers Cooperative (LAPAHAWA) headed by Baldomero Suligan, and consisting of 84 families; and the Bato-Naronbon Marketing Association (BANAMA) headed by Nerio Millas, and consisting of 215 families.
A delegation from Ilocos Norte led by Rep. Roque Ablan, Jr., Gov. Elizabeth M. Keon and former Gov.Jose Evangelista. The President played host at lunch to the delegation.
During the day, the President also inducted Ulpiano Ramas, a lawyer, as assistant provincial fiscal of Zamboanga del Sur. Witnessing the induction was Rep. Vicente Cerilles of that province.
In the evening, the President swore in two new flag officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, namely, Col. Felino M. Mallari and Capt. Ernesto R. Ogbinar, as Brig. General and Commodore in the AFP, respectively.
And the witnesses from Tarlac against Sen. Aquino on arming and funding the NPA [New People’s Army] are now on board the RPS 21 or Mt. Samat after interrogation, but the poor facilities may require their transfer.
Promoted the ranking colonels to generals today—among some appointments in the judiciary and the DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs].
I also attach the newspapers of the day. Of course The Manila Times has a prominent article of Eduardo Lachica on the supposed “Fictitious Insurrection?” This is the type of press reporting that we have to contend with.
Copies of the Singapore and Djakarta papers which all appear favorable are hereto attached.
Today I sent the proof-read copy of the galley proof of my book on Revolution to the printers for paging and final printing.