2:00 AM August 9, 1971
PC [Philippine Constabulary] Anniversary up to noontime. Theme of my speech—co-existence with the communists [sic] states hoping that the peace, no matter how tenuous, will continue; but the domestic policy against communism and its history of violence and repression.
Spent all day (afternoon and evening after a nap) up to now on my book, The Democratic Revolution I decided to put a Foreword, a chronology of the events (history of the communist movement) that constitute the environment for the revolution. Then an Epilogue of my vision for the Philippines which is not yet finished.
And I am preparing to leave for Bohol by ship tomorrow evening so that I can work on it.
The fighting in Cotabato continues with 22 casualties.
Official Gazette for August 8, 1971: President Marcos enjoined the officers and men of the Philippine Constabulary to stay out of politics in the elections and to perform their solemn duty to uphold the law without favor to anyone at all.
Addressing the men in khaki and red on the 70th founding anniversary of the Philippine Constabulary at Camp Crame, the President said that “in a very real way, the issue of democracy as against communism rests on your performance as soldiers of democracy and not as minions of a privileged few.” “Our people rely firstly on you to keep the peace and order,” the President said, “and you are beholden to no politician, only to our people and to your duty.” “You must prove that although there are a few transgressors, the main body of the constabulary is as it has always been—men dedicated to flag and country, oriented to public service, completely trustworthy and reliable, and in accordance with the highest traditions of command, ready to lay their lives down for the greater good,” the President said. (Full text of the President’s speech in OG.)
Upon arrival at the PC headquarters, the President was given military honors by the Presidential Guard Battalion, after which he and the First Lady proceeded to the grandstand. After the troops had been presented to him, the President accompanied by Brig. Gen. Eduardo M. Garcia, chief of the PC, and Brig. Gen. Fabian Ver, commanding general of the PGB, trooped the line, and then presented the awards to distinguished officers, enlisted men, units and a civilian employee. The President then delivered his address, after which the troops composed of two PC brigades from the metropolitan area, passed in review, followed by motorized units including METROCOM, Trafcon, Signal and other units.
After exchanging greetings with other guests, including military top brass from the United States Army and Navy installations, members of the diplomatic corps, and chiefs of commands of the AFP, the President and the First Lady motored to the PC-Police Coordinating Center building for the inauguration.
The President and the First Lady left Camp Crame at 11:45 a.m., arriving at Malacañang exactly 12 noon. In the afternoon, the President created the Pesticides Control and Research Committee on recommendation of Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Arturo R. Tanco, Jr. to regulate the importation, manufacture, sale, distribution and use of pesticides. The President created the committee to fill the long felt need for a specific government instrumentality to monitor the use of agricultural pesticides commercially manufactured and distributed in the country in view of the increasing danger of pollution and contamination to public health.