I have postponed the plebiscite in the 13 provinces of Mindanao and Palawan to Mar. 17, 1977.
When Amb. Dreiza of Libya cane to see me at the PICC [Philippine International Convention Center] during the sessions of the Batasang Bayan, he left the impression that unless the Libyans and the MNLF [Moro National Liberation Front] get all the 13 provinces, they will terminate the negotiations. He did not use the words 13 provinces. He merely said that if the result of the plebiscite is not in accordance with the agreement of December 23 (or 24), 1977 they would not proceed with the negotiations.
Today I asked him to come to the Ang Pangulo to first participate in the ratification of the agreements on trade and culture worked out by the First Lady, then so I could tell him I wanted to know whether Minister Ali Al Treki had wanted the postponement since the call to an early plebiscite was the wish and suggestion of Ali Al Treki and that I wanted to write to Pres. [Muammar] Khaddafi.
At noontime after we broke up when he was talking to the First Lady at the Malacañan Guest House, I called him up to tell him I had definitely postponed the plebiscite to Mar. 17, 1977 upon the suggestion of Asst. Sec. Gen. of the Islamic Conference Amb. [Tenetogh?] and Asst. Minister of Libya Atraz.