Worked out the PC [Philippine Constabulary]-Police coordination plans in the State Dining Room. A local policeman should always be with the PC men but the provision that in case of an emergency or when there is lack of time then the President (that’s me) can order the PC to enter the city or town to make a raid or arrest.
I explained that we should not be over-confident but that the communists have struck in other countries when least expected and when the government was divided and least prepared; that ultimately in every crisis or test of strength with the authorities the government must depend upon a small group of dedicated men like the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and the police.
Opened the Palace to the tourists. We should encourage the Americans in the military bases to visit the local tourist spots. There must be twenty-five thousand of them and that would take the place of the R&R who are now stopping coming to the Philippines.
Attended to the city mayors’ league headed by Mayor [Macario] Asistio [Sr.] of Caloocan who incidentally has sons who are the heads of the crime syndicates that extort money from the jeepneys.
Held a press conference at 4:00 PM on the economic situation and the PC-Police coordination plan. The questions included the Thai military and to Cambodia, the procurement of Virginia tobacco, the Bantay case, etc.