[p.97] The Manila Police early this morning (two hours after the rioting) raided the Philippine College of Commerce with a search warrant from Judge [Hilarion] Jarencio and arrested 38 persons including students, professors and paid vandals with Molotov cocktails, revolvers, a shotgun and other weapons of assault. And the reaction of the public seems to be reacting favorably.
Finished the problem of the Muslims. Salipada Pendatun says he will be responsible for Ex-Gov. Udtog Matalam, the leader of the Muslim Independence Movement, who on February 6, 1970 issued another manifesto against the government adopting the Ma-Mao and Kabataang Makabayan line. Salipada Pendatun insists there is no training ground for insurgents and that Udtog will consult him before he does anything serious. I have my doubts about his capability to hold Udtog but I am hoping for the best. I have asked him to bring Udtog’s son.
Also settled the Sulu difference between Cong. [Indanan] Anni and Mayor Barby Abubakar of Jolo. It seems that Anni and Gov. [Murphy] Angkula bring in the policemen of the other towns fully armed into Jolo, causing tension. A barrio captain was killed by
Official Gazette for February 27, 1970: President Marcos had several conferences with public officials, a couple of interviews with newsmen, and to top the day delivered a speech before Rotarians. The President started the day much as usual, by working at his desk. About 10 a.m., he received once again the leaders of Mindanao and Sulu, with whom he had conferred on peace and order problems in that southern region.
The second meeting with the same group was a follow-through on the conclusions and agreements reached at the earlier conference. The Mindanao-Sulu leaders pledged in a signed paper their support of the President’s stand against communism and of his policy of maintaining public order. Among those at the conference were former Secretary of General Services Salih Ututalum, Rep. Indanan Anni of Sulu, Rep. Salipada Pendatun of Cotabato, Governors Linang Mandangan of Lanao del Sur, Mayors Omar Dianalan of Marawi City, Datu Balakat Sangki of Ampatuan, Cotabato, and Barlie Abubakar of Jolo, Sulu; Mr. and Mrs. Blah Sinsuat of Cotabato; and former Governors Arsad Sali and Benjamin Abubakar of Sulu.
Later in the morning, the President conferred with Speaker Pro-Tempore Jose Aldeguer, and Reps. Fermin Caram and Lamberto Macias. Two foreign journalists interviewed the President, namely, Eve Desscarre of Combat magazine and Carol Goldstein of Keystone Press Agency. In the afternoon, the President concentrated mostly on his interrupted deskwork. Shortly after 7 p. m., he motored to Manila Hilton where he was guest of honor at the annual convention of International Rotary District 308.The President pledged “sympathy and understanding to the true student who seeks reform” but warned that there can only be one answer to the hard core communist who advocates anarchy—”force against force.” Speaking before the annual convention of Rotary International District 380 at the Manila Hilton, the President said: “We will be patient with the reformist students no matter how radical, for these are our children, but we can be firm and forceful with the violent no matter how intellectual.” The President said the state is capable of preserving itself and has the power to fight its enemies. At the same time, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to liberal democracy. He called upon the nation to embrace the same commitment. (See pp. 2319 to 2321-G for full text of the President’s speech.)
the policemen recently. So I am having the arms of the Jolo policemen who shot him and from now on no more guns from outside Jolo to be allowed.
Delivered a speech on Liberal Democracy before Rotary International 380 at the Hilton tonight.