Cotabato has exploded in violence again. The 21st Bn. [Battalion] under Col. Tucay stumbled into an estimated 1,000 Muslim rebels (700 of them with firearms) in Bos. [Barrios] Biniruan and Balibud of Cotabato City (about 2 kilometers from the poblacion). We suffered...
Marcos Diaries
July 29, 1974
Difficult to wrench one’s self away from the languorous beauty and peace of Ulot, Tolosa, Leyte. But after an early morning skiing in a calm sea left on the new BAC 1-11 for Manila. Arrived 12:40 to the problems: Mindanao—MGen. [Fidel] Ramos reported that his PC...
February 9, 1974
On January 22, I have had the unhappy privilege of seeing my predictions come true over the Paracel and Spratly Island groups. I had briefed Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew of the possibility that the Red Chinese would fight over the Paracel as well as the Spratlys...
February 21, 1974
Dear Irene, the Vet, now promoted to Med.
May 17, 1974
Our basic strategy with respect to Malaysia is to impress her with our credible defense posture and capability. Thus the announcement on Phil. Air Force Day of the plan to increase our armed forces first to 100,000 then to 256,000. I did not announce that including...
November 1, 1973
Tonight I am convinced that there has been a crucial turn for the better in Sulu on the problem of rebellion and secessionism. I met Hadji Faisal Radjae, one of the lenders in Jolo Island in the Indanan-Parang area. He came to Manila brought by Ex-Sec. Manuel Syquio...
November 27, 1973—the Algeria Summit Conference exempts Philippines and Japan from the oil embargo for one month. Big news throughout the world.
I rendezvous with the Sulu, Basilan and Zamboanga del Sur rebel leaders to bring about their return to the fold of the law and cooperate on the pacification drive. I also directed the finalization of the purchase of Esso’s 57% of the Bataan refinery and its whole...
October 2, 1973
______ speech. ______ Bd. Of Directors of Castle and Cook, headed by Malcolm McNaughton of ______ Fruits and Rony Velasco’s house. ______ priest (Jalandoni) and nun ______ six others apprehended. ______attempt to scandalize the ______ Abat, Amor Ver—and ______. ______...
September 22, 1973
Saturday I have often said achievement is but the meeting or congruence of preparation and opportunity. But Father Donelan told Imelda that in addition to this I have had luck. He cites the increase in the prices of export products like copper, gold, sugar, copra,...
August 28, 1973
Tuesday Worked on “Notes on the Reformation of Philippine Society” from 7:30-11:00 AM. Tentative script being typewritten. Am not content with it. Then worked on the [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.] case with Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile USec [Catalino] Macaraig [Jr.], Sec. Kits...