I have been up since USec. [Carmelo] Barbero called up from Tripoli to tell me they have agreed on all the points that I cleared before he left except for the area.
[Nur] Misuari supported by Ali Treki insist on all of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan to be organized into one region.
But they are willing to submit this to a referendum.
I have directed that tomorrow Tripoli time (today here) he should call me up at 10:00 AM Tripoli Time and 4:00 PM Manila Time (six hours time difference) he should call me up so that I can think about it and possibly talk to Col. [Muammar] Kadaffi who has been keeping tab of the conference every day by telephone.
I am presently inclined to accept the proposal provided we keep out the provinces that decide, by referendum, to stay out of the regional aggrupation.
Because I am sure that the people of Palawan, the three Davaos, the two Surigaos, the two Agusans, Southern Cotabato, Bukidnon, the two Misamis, possibly Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte and others will want to be kept out of the Muslim region.
In my writings I have referred to the leftist-rightist rebellion, the southern secessionist movement, the anarchy and syndicated crime as well as the private armies as the causes of the proclamation of rebellion.
But I have not given emphasis to the attempted coup d’etat that sought my assassination and the ascent of Vice President Fernando Lopez to the presidency with my previous opponent, Senator Sergio Osmeña Jr. as Secretary of National Defense.
Now the reinvestigation committee headed by Brig. Gen. (Justice) Santos, and of which state prosecutor (Nocum) City of Manila. Fiscal (______) and City of Quezon Fiscal ([Justiniano] Cortez) are members has brought this out to light in its recommendation and findings which I attach hereto:
The conspiracy was actually revealed by Tomas Manalastas through Bob Garcia.
What the report does not contain is the fine and well-coordinated intelligence work of penetrating the conspiracy. This I intend to write about.
No Official Gazette entry for this day.