Met the military to work out the contingency plan for Mindanao and Sulu—PC [Philippine Constabulary] OPLAN Sultan and PA [Philippine Army] OPLAN KAMAGONG. Both are dependent upon mobility and communications which are presently deficient. PC has only 45% of organic transport requirement. PA in the 4th Division (according to its CG [Commanding General], Gen. Cruz) has only 18 operational tracks out of 47.
PC estimates possible enemy strength at 800 armed men (MIM [Mindanao Independence Movement], Ansarul Islam, Green Guards, etc.) and presently has a strength of about 3,500 officers and men. PA has a strength of 1,500 including trainees.
We must maintain the ratio of our troops to that of the enemy at no less than five to one.
The contingency plan for Manila and the surrounding area OPLAN ISMA is operational. They have had two exercises already and worked out the concentration of troops in two hours.
Official Gazette for December 9, 1970: President Marcos received a briefing from defense officials, led by Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile. The defense brass briefed the President on wide-ranging subjects from 11:20 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Earlier in the morning, the President received callers and gave one press interview. One of the callers was Minister Samson Sabalones, Charge d’affaires of the Philippine embassy in Laos. Sabalones called to receive final instructions before leaving for his post. The Chief Executive next received Reps. Marcelino Veloso of Leyte, Emilio Espinosa, Jr. of Masbate and Carlos Imperial of Albay. He discussed with them local problems. At mid-morning, the President motored to Camp Aguinaldo, where he received a briefing from defense officials.
In the afternoon, he worked on official papers through early evening when he broke off to receive new world flyweight champion Erbito Salavarria, the 23-year old fighter from Biñan, Laguna, who wrested the world crown by a second round TKO, from Chartchai Chionoi of Thailand the other day. Salavarria arrived on a KLM plane at 7 o’clock in the evening and made his call on the President immediately. During the call, the Chief Executive asked Chairman Justiniano Montano, Jr. of the Games and Amusement Board to prepare a project study on the establishment of a national coliseum for the benefit of Filipino champions. At the same time, the President congratulated Salavarria, saying his feat was a victory and honor of the country. The President expressed the hope that the new Philippine world title holder will be able to retain his crown for many more years. The President asked for the project study after Chairman Montano and other boxing aficionados including Mamerto Besa, president of the Philippine Boxing Association, had sought his help in the establishment of a national coliseum. The boxing fans informed the President that because of the lack of a national coliseum in the Philippines, most of the Filipino champions are forced to defend their titles in foreign countries, where they are sometimes at the risk of a hometown decision unless they win by knockout or TKO.
Called in the BIR [Bureau of Internal Revenue] men (heads of offices) and told them that many of them have been using my name in collecting from taxpayers. I told them that I was angry and showed it.
I directed a re-organization from top to bottom specially on the income tax, business tax and specific tax divisions.
I may have to remove Com. Misael Vera from the BIR.
Next in the reorganization is the Bureau of Customs. Com. [Rolando] Geotina may have to go.
Received [Erbito] Salavarria, the Filipino new world flyweight champion who knocked out Thai champion [Chartchai] Chionoi on the second round.
Have just received a report that the demonstrations have resulted in the wounding by shooting of two students and the injury of a policeman.
Was interviewed by Julie Yap Daza, Daily Mirror columnist, early this morning.