Marcos Diaries

October 14, 1977

I have approved the plan to hit the main camp of the MNLF [Moro National Liberation Front] at Taban at the boundary of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur—about 90 kilometers Northeast of from Zamboanga City. There have been attacks by Al Caluang on Anonang then...

October 10, 1977

Presentiment or precognition about Usman Sali. BGen. Teodulfo Bautista with 34 officers and men were massacred at the Danag marketplace, Patikul, Jolo Island Sulu today. He was on a mission of peace as he was invited to a conference by Usman Sali presumably for a...

August 30, 1977

National Heroes Day My paper on Breaking the Stalemate on the Sabah claim has just come out in full in the press. I have not written of it, but because of the Sabah claim, one of the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu, Sultan Ombra Amilbangsa, husband of Piandao Kiram,...

July 30, 1977

Macapagal and company ([Lorenzo] Tañada, [Jovito] Salonga, [Francisco] Rodrigo, [Eva] Estrada Kalaw, [Tecla] San Andres Ziga included) refused to attend the public hearings, reiterated their attacks on the “architects of the martial law administration,” but submitted...

June 27, 1977

Veterans Memorial Medical Center We confirmed oil at Nido South (Palawan) by electric log at 10:10 PM as reported to me at 11:00 PM, while I was taking dinner, by Ronnie [Geronimo] Velasco. About 146 feet of oil bearing limestone. They will now drill to the target of...

June 21, 1977

Upon his written request, I talked to Ex. Sen. Benigno Aquino today at 12:15 to 2:00 PM in the presence of Sec. Juan Ponce Enrile, Sec. Francisco Tatad and Solicitor Gen. Estelito Mendoza. I am amazed at the brashness of this man although he shed tears in the presence...

June 20, 1977

Now I know why the United States is slowly withdrawing its forces from Asia. As the briefing given us by the State Dept., the CIA [Central Intelligence Agency] and the military indicates, they do not believe that there will be any hostilities in Asia, the Soviet Union...

April 19, 1977

Brought Dick [Richard] Holbroke and wife Blythe on a cruise on the Ang Pangulo to Talaga and Corregidor. In addition to water-skiing and pelota as well as a fast-bus ride through Corregidor and part of the Flame and the Sword documentary (up to the Midway battle, the...

March 10, 1977

Imelda left for Libya by special PAL [Philippine Airlines] plane at 6:00 AM. I noticed she was nervous and tense. Slept all morning. Saw Gen. [Hans] Menzi and taped Pulong Pulong at 1:00 PM-2:45 PM on the Muslim question. I emphasized the need to negotiate with Pres....

March 8 and 9, 1977

March 8 We are preparing for Imelda's trip to Libya. I have come down with a severe cold and flu and am as miserable as can be. March 9 We held the last planning session of the National Security Council where I outlined the objective of the Mission of the First Lady,...