Wednesday
The counter attacks have been successful in Cotabato.
I attach the self-explanatory reports.
The PC [Philippine Constabulary] organization ties it down to garrison duty. It has the most number of men in the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] but the least capable of organizing strike forces. We must change this.
This is partly true of the other service commands.
I need some brilliant operations officer who can plan the counter-moves of the AFP against the secessionist movement in Mindanao and Sulu.
We keep reacting to situations. We do not create them.
The Dept. of Foreign Affairs has the same deficiency. Sec. [Carlos] Romulo is getting old.
Gen. Abad has taken command of Cotabato which now has been placed under Condition III of Oplan Saggitarius [sic]. But the Chief of Staff retains operational control.
The Cotabato area may become the death of the secessionist. For they are beginning to take and hold territory or real estate. And this means conventional war not guerilla war. Our heavy weapons, navy, armor and air force will spell the difference.
So we must entice the rebels to group and mass for the ultimate blow that should eradicate them, block their routes of escape and allow the hammer to hit them on the anvil.
After we have taught them this lesson it will be time enough to implement our economic and social development plans and help in the religious field.
11:50 PM March 8, 1973[1]
Thursday
I attach the report on the Mindanao military situation of the CSAFP [Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines] and SND [Secretary of National Defense].
The Lake Seit military camp in Jolo is still under attack but our troops are unconcerned.
We have opened the Zamboanga airfield to our jet fighters. This will lengthen the loiter time of our planes in Jolo and Cotabato to 45 minutes from the original 10-I 5 minutes when they were based in Mactan.
Gen. [Romeo] Espino who had just arrived in Zamboanga by plane for a survey of the military situation witnessed the landing of the first five jet fighters. So did about five thousand civilians who cheered the arrival of the fighters.
There are many civilian evacuees in Zamboanga City displaced by the fighting in the surrounding provinces.
The rebels in Basilan have disengaged. And in Cotabato where Gen. Espino is now, the rebels have been driven out of Midsayap but one of the surprising developments is that the Kamagong battalion composed of young untried soldiers have conducted themselves with distinction in Midsayap.
So I have directed the organization of more Kamagong battalions to be ultimately reorganized into 10 Battalion Combat Teams of 1,000 men each with heavy weapons, artillery and armor.
I have directed the acceleration of the shipment of two tanks, four APC’s [armored personnel carriers], six 105 artillery pieces by LST [Landing Ship, Tank]. No. 40 which also picks up POL and [Subil?] so as to support the other naval units and the helicopters which will use it off Lebak as an emergency landing and mother ship.
The 4th Inf. Bn. [Infantry Battalion] will be airlifted tomorrow to Cotabato.
I have asked Gen. [Rafael] Zagala (Pt. Commander) to generate at least another two battalions to be sent to Cotabato.
I intend to saturate the province and once and for all eradicate the Mindanao secessionist and communist movement.
I confronted Raschid Lucman with the letters he wrote Tun Mustafa, Tungku Abdul Rahman and Col. Kaddafi of Libya. He admitted the authorship of the letters except the one to [Muammar] Kaddafi but claimed that he had stopped his participation in the conspiracy after he had met with me last year.
I made him and Ali Dimaporo agree not to participate in any of the hostilities against the government.
If we can keep the two Lanaos quiet then we can concentrate on Cotabato.
And we have to keep most of the Muslims on our side. The two Lanaos can be used as an example or model for the development of the Muslim areas. So I will put up two model towns, one in Lanao del Sur (possibly Romain) and one in the North (possibly Baloi).
12:20 PM March 9, 1973[2]
Friday
We are sending more men and arms and supplies to Cotabato. The situation remains critical as the rebels have cut off Parang, the IVth PC [Philippine Constabulary] Zone Hq. by burning a bridge from Cotabato City. Gen. [Romeo] Espino has returned from there by plane. They need more men and arms.
I attach the reports.
So I am staying in Manila instead of going off for the weekend.
The Cotabato attacks show the weakness of our AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines]. We have seen able to bring into that province only about 800 officers and men in about a week.
The coordination between the air arm, navy and ground forces is faulty.
I have had to remind the Chief of Staff of Navy deficiencies in support for the men.
Gen. [Romeo] Espino is loyal but a little weak in planning and resourcefulness.
11:30 PM March 10, 1973[3]
Saturday
Gen. [Fortunato] Abat has apparently brought in stability to Cotabato.
He is the III Brigade Commander based in Cebu and brought into command the Central Mindanao Command over the IV PC [Philippine Constabulary] Zone Commander Gen. [Wilfredo] Encarnacion and Col. Aherro, TF [Task Force] Pagkakaisa commander.
He is the buck private in the old USAFIP [United States Army Forces in the Philippines] in 1974 who guided me from Natividad, Pangasinan across the Cordillera to the Bokod-Pingkian Trail to Nueva Vizcaya in one week.
Apparently he is able, fast in grasping a military situation and quick acting. He has the qualities of a good field commander.
But I have had to remind the Chief of Staff and the heads of the major services of matters that should belong to them to look into. Actually they are problems of command.
Our reaction time is slow—one week to fly in reinforcements of 800. I have had to remind them of Identification Panels. Forward Air Control Coordination of FAC and our mortars and RR [recoilless rifles].
The attempt to cut the road between Parang, the IVth PC Zone Hq. and Cotabato City indicates the intention to isolate either Parang or Cotabato City either of which would be a great victory militarily and psychologically.
I have had to remind the generals about this.
Called a meeting this morning at 10:00 with Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile.
We must generate more men for Cotabato and send them in fast. And more support weapons and ammo.
I have decided to have the Cotabato fighting covered by the media. A briefing was given them this afternoon at Camp Aguinaldo prior to their departure tomorrow at 6:00 AM for the combat area.
I attach the press release of AFP GHQ.
Two companies, Alpha and Baker, of the 4th Inf. Bn. [Infantry Battalion] secured Sowoi Bridge 12 kilometers north of Cotabato City on the road to Parang, able company meeting the enemy opposition when it was only 6 kilometers from Cotabato City, Baker company making a passage in lines to reach the objective and hold it.
The attack was preceded by air bombardment by jets from Mactan, marked by the use for the first time of the Forward Air Controllers on the U-17’s communicating direct with the ground forces and directing the fire of the 106 Recoil-less Rifles and the 81 mm mortars which were most effective driving the enemy out of their position and finally dispersing them.
The enemy suffered about 40 casualties, the pilots making an actual body count of bodies on the ground. Our troops suffered none.
The troops are in high spirits bur will await a counter-attack in the night.
Datu Blah Sinsuat and his wife, Esther called me up by PLDT [Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company] to tell me that their men has just come back to Cotabato City with the news that the leaders of the rebels were hiding in Trans, barrio of Lebak with only 100-200 men. They are demoralized and some are wounded.
Apparently the navy has effectively cut off their supplies and it may be true to hit this sensitive nerve center.
The rebels in Trans can be boxed in and eradicated.
Japan has bought the Thor-Delta missile system from the McDonnell Douglas Corp. This was revealed by Andrew J. Diemeller American Federation of LaborCongress of Industrial Organizations legislative director before the US Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade.
The missile system is “considered by space experts to be America’s most effective space reliable launching unit. It is capable of carrying several hundred pounds of payload into space orbit, or, with little modification, can carry a nuclear warhead in the 1,500 to 5,000 mile range, clearly a potentially offensive weapon.
And Red China has the third biggest navy next only to the U.S. and Russia with 40 conventional submarines, ahead of Britain with 35, France with 21 and Japan 12. It is also third in size with a strength of 150,000 officers and men—double the size of Britain (80,000) and France (70,000), the 4th and 5th largest and Japan (40,000).
7:30 PM March 11, 1973[4]
On board the 777 proceeding Sunday
back to Malacañan after staying
in Talaga Bay from 4:00 PM
skiing, shocking the dredging and
trying out the pelota court.
Left Manila at about 1:30 PM.
Our troops are getting used to coordinated attacks with the Air Force leading with bombardments, the Navy blockading the sea lanes and occasionally providing supporting fire, the ground forces tied up by communications to the Forward Air Controllers in a U-17 and the mortars and Recoilless Rifles accurately reaching out to clear the way for the Infantry soldier.
The classic example is the clearing of the Cotabato City-Parang Road.
I attach the reports that are self-explanatory.
But the way the enemy is withdrawing and disengaging we may not be able to pocket them in what the military injudiciously calls “kill zones.” These are but areas where the enemy is boxed and hit hard “by the hammer against the anvil.”
The enemy may breakup into small guerilla bands and will be harder to ferret out.
The 5 Infantry Bn. from Isabela has arrived in Cotabato City and elements of the First Composite Bn. arriving now.
If the U.S. has sold to Japan its Thor-Delta missile system and Red China has amphibious capability, we may have to change our assessment of the need of U.S. bases in the Philippines.
However since the U.S. is moving towards isolation and it is not expected to involve itself in any war in Asia, then the bases do not serve a purpose but as a slow capability of the U.S. to strike back. Since they would not be used in a conventional war, then the only uses would be preparation for nuclear war.
If the bases will involve us in a nuclear war, then they do not serve Philippines national interest.
But it can be said, in a nuclear war there are no neutrals because the devastation will be so pervasive that neutrality loses its meaning. In short it will sffect all including neutrals.
Since the wisest course is to prevent a nuclear war, then since the bases will help to prevent such nuclear war, it will be to the best interest of the Philippines to keep the bases.
Thus goes the mending debate in my mind.
But whatever the arguments we must now insist upon the administration of the bases by our government.
And we should be able to reassess the Bases Agreement every five years.
A message has just come in. There is stiff enemy resistance at Balut Bridge against both PC [Philippine Constabulary] elements driving from Parang and PA [Philippine Army] elements driving north from Cotabato City.
The air strike had to be called off because of bad weather.
We should try and box off the enemy and destroy them where they are.
11:00 PM March 12, 1973[5]
Monday
Yesterday, the 11th, the critical period in Cotabato was passed.
With only two companies of less than 200 officers and men, our troops, supported on the air and with only two 106’s Recoil-less and four 81 mm mortars opened the bridge at [Siniuay?] against an enemy of 500 to 1,000 which dispersed and withdrew today to the west (the sea at Parang), have shown their superiority and capability to sweep the enemy out of the area.
Yesterday, the 11th, the enemy leaders sent in feelers for a general amnesty but I wired Dr. Alunan Glang who wired me of the feelers of five insurgent leaders that the rebels stop attacking the military installations before we talk of any negotiations.
We have had to resort to misleading the enemy about our strength with multiple landings of our transport planes and repeated air attacks. But it has worked.
The civilians are now demanding to be allowed to fight the enemy and to be armed as BSDU’s [Barrio Self-Defense Unit]. Their morale is high.
But our soldiers have shown courage and professionalism. Surrounded, they have refused to be extricated but insist on maintaining position and counter-attacking if resupplied and reinforced.
Our recovery is due to them. And they should be properly commended and rewarded.
And we have now worked out the kinks in our mobility, transport, communications, inter-service coordination, leadership, command structure and planning.
The 11th was a lucky day.
10:00 PM March 13, 1973[6]
Tuesday
There are fresh attacks in other parts of Mindanao like Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur and Sulu. But the garrisons have been able to repel them.
We must concentrate on Cotabato where it was quiet as the armor (2 tanks, four APC’s [armored personnel carriers]) and artillery arrived by the LST [Landing Ship, Tank] 40 at Kao Sio. We are sending more reinforcements (Two companies from Basilan to Lebak, the 22nd IB [Infantry Battalion] from Magsaysay to Cotabato).
But apparently my telegram to Dr. Alunan Glang in Cotabato asking the insurgents from attacking the military garrisons has been headed.
It is still my hope that we can negotiate a peaceful settlement with the insurgents.
Tony [Antonio] Raquiza, whom Commodore [Gil] Fernandez of SOWESCOM [Southwest Command] wanted to arrest because he has contacted the insurgents for a peaceful settlement, has just arrived and is optimistic about terminating the conflict without farther bloodshed. He has swallowed the line of the Muslims that the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] is helpless against the Muslim rebels and that the AFP has used the Ilagas against the Muslims and the AFP caused the shooting by forcibly taking away the weapons of the Muslims.
So we have to be cautious with him. But the mere fact that he was able to meet the insurgent leaders in Jolo and Tongkil means he risked his life for a peaceful settlement.
And I have confirmed the fact that Pres. Suharto, after receiving my personal letter to him delivered by Amb. [Modesto] Farolan, has taken steps to invite Tun Mustapha of Sabah and even Tun Abdul Razak to settle the conflict peacefully.
I attach the notes I have taken of the military situation and the papers on Tony Raquiza.
[1] Official Gazette for March 8, 1973: SECRETARY OF INFORMATION Francisco S. Tatad said that the reforms implemented since the imposition of Martial Law five months ago have accomplished meaningful changes under the New Society and welded the people together in making a brighter and better tomorrow. The DPI secretary stressed that the “ social child ” born five months ago under the New Society “ is now on its feet standing strong ” compared to a five-month old infant which is still crawling in its crib. Mr. Tatad reviewed the events that transpired since the birth of Martial Law and what could be expected under the administration of the President, in an extemporaneous speech before the Makati Rotary Club West during the club ’ s regular luncheon-meeting at the Hotel Inter-Continental. He pointed out that the discipline is now evident among the people as they obey traffic rules, wait at bus stops, line up in cinema houses. Drivers are more courteous and careful and have developed the habit of parking their vehicles at the proper parking areas, it was added. Mr. Tatad likewise noted increased and better respect for the law with government officials and employee showing more decency and civility in dealing with the public. He expressed optimism that a more relaxed policy may be forthcoming in connection with, the ban against travel abroad. Mr. Tatad likewise said that foreign investors have been assured of protection in the immediate repatriation: of their profit from their investments here. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE approved new increased tobacco inspection fees and enumerated the kind of articles subject to such fees. The new fees were fixed in revenue regulations recommended by the Bureau of Internal Revenue Code, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 69. The new fees, taking effect on Jan. 1, 1973, are: P0.50 for each 1,000 cigars or fraction thereof; P0.10 for each 1,000 cigarettes or fraction thereof; P0.02 for each kilogram of leaf tobacco or fraction thereof. The amount of F0.08 for each kilogram or fraction thereof of scraps, include stems, stripped tobacco, threshed tobacco, sweepings, siftings, snuff, smoking, chewing, and other manufactured products of tobacco, tobacco powder or dust or other waste removed for agricultural, industrial or research purpose. Those required to pay the tobacco inspection fees are manufacturers, producers, exporters, importers, redriers , whole sale tobacco: dealers or owners or possessor of cigars, cigarettes, leaf tobacco, scraps and all other products and by-products of tobacco. The inspection fees are to be paid 10 days after the removal of tobacco from their respective factories for domestic sale. NATIONAL GRAINS Authority has announced that it is ready to accept applications for registration and licenses from all persons, natural or juridical, engaged in the business of rice, corn and other cereals. All persons engaged :n the storing, milling, warehousing, retailing, wholesaling, and processing of cereals must register and secure a license to operate, as provided by Presidential Decree No. 4 or the NGA Act to avoid any disruption of their normal business activities. The NGA previously extended up to March 31 of the current year the validity of registration certificates and licenses issued by the Rice arid Corn Board and Bureau of Commerce. Failure to register and secure a valid license to engage in, the grains business will subject the offender to the penal provisions of the NGA Act.
[2] Official Gazette for March 9, 1973: THE PRESIDENT welcomed the plan of the Bank of America to expand its investments in the Philippines and assured an official of the bank who called on him that the policy of attracting foreign investments to the Philippines will continue under the New Society. In receiving C. Van Vlierden , executive vice president of the Bank of America, the President said the bank has been a very vital factor in the development of the country and that it is welcome to continue doing so. Mr. Vlierden informed the President that the bank is planning to participate actively in the development of the country by either incorporating locally, increasing its capital, or merging with European, Japanese or Filipino development banks. Mr. Vlierden also said that compared to Hongkong and Singapore which he had also visited, the Philippines has the lowest cost of living. But the most important thing, according to him, is the fact that the Philippines has very rich manpower and natural resources which are vital to development. The President and Mr. Vlierden also agreed that the Philippines should now conduct a more aggressive and persistent campaign to gain recognition in the European Common Market countries in order to diversify its financial and trade relations. ALFREDO MONTELIBANO, chairman of the Philippine Sugar Committee Inc., has endorsed a proposal for a public accounting of the P30 million amelioration fund generated annually by the sugar industry to benefit its workers. The proposal, drawn up by the Sugar Workers ’ Conference in Bacolod City, was announced recently by conference chairman Prudencio Jalandoni , president of the “ Lakas ng Manggagawang Filipino. ” The P30 million amelioration fund, set up by the President in 1968, funnels P1 per picul of sugar produced by the industry to the workers in forms of bonuses to supplement housing, educational and medical benefits already extended to workers in some sugar areas. The PSCI chairman specifically endorsed the proposed participation of the sugar workers in the disbursement of the fund for the financing of cooperatives, the establishment of free vocational and technical schools and free clinics and the granting of scholarships. The formation of the Sugar Workers ’ Welfare Fund Council was also suggested. REPRESENTATIVES of multi-national corporations shall be free to enter and leave the country without following the usual procedure and requirements whereby after 59 days they leave and renew their visas. The policy was contained in instructions directed to the Commission on Immigration and Deportation in connection with the government ’ s desire to attract foreign investors to help in the development and improvement of the national economy. Under the relaxed policy, representatives of foreign investors and capitalists will be granted special non-immigrant status that will enable them to stay longer than 59 days in the country to attend to their business transaction. The new policy will do away with the usual fingerprinting, clearances and cash bonds required in the past. ALL TAXPAYERS concerned were urged to avail of the benefits afforded by Presidential Decree No. 23, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 67. The appeal was made by Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Conrado P. Diaz before a seminar on tax amnesty in Olongapo City. Presidential Decree No. 23, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 67, imposes a tax of 10 per cent on all previously untaxed income or wealth if declared or reported with the BIR on or before March 31, 1973. Diaz cited the following benefits to taxpayers who avail themselves of the tax amnesty on previously untaxed income or wealth: 1) The books of accounts from 1971 down shall be considered closed by the BIR; 2) Peace of mind forever; 3) No more obligation from any and all taxes from 1971 down; 4) No more verification of investigation of income tax returns from 1971 down; 5) The secrecy of the declaration under the tax amnesty decree shall be inviolable and guaranteed; 6) The declaration under the tax amnesty cannot be used for or against the taxpayer in any forum or court of justice where he is a respondent or a defendant. Mr. Diaz warned that all taxpayers who fail to avail themselves of the provisions of the tax amnesty will face the full force of the law and suffer the penalties for tax evasion. BRIG. GEN. Fidel V. Ramos, PC chief, and Director Jolly Bugarin of the National Bureau of Investigation, prescribed the joint rules and regulations for the implementation of Presidential Decree No. 140 dated March 2, 1572, calling for the registration of ail reproducing, copying, duplicating, and facsimile machines or equipment. In a joint memorandum, the PC chief and the NBI director said owners and possessors of these machines in. the Greater Manila area shall register the same with any of the following offices: the PC- Metrocom , PC Civil Relation Office at Camp Crame and the NBI in Manila. Those in the provinces shall register with their respective PC commands or the local offices of the NBI. Covered by new decree are any machine or equipment operated manually, electrically or electronically which is capable of reproducing–, copying, duplicating or facsimiling printed documents or materials, including but not limited to, the commonly known xerox machines, thermopax machines, blue printing machines, photostat machines, printing machines, or mimeographing machines of any type, make or model. Deadline for the registration of all duplicating equipment is on March 18 after which all unregistered machines shall be seized and confiscated by the PC or NBI in accordance with Department Order No. 740 of the secretary of National Defense dated Jan. 21, 1973. ALL MEDICARE beneficiaries are entitled to the same basic benefits rendered by service beds and hospital staff physicians without additional charges. The Philippine Medical Care Commission reiterated this policy which requires all government and privately owned hospitals and their staff physicians to charge only the medicare rates for services rendered to medicare patients. The basic benefits mentioned as provided by the Medicare Law (RA 6111) include a 45-day hospital confinement a year at M2 a day for room and board (or a maximum of P540); a P150 maximum for medicines, laboratory examinations, X-ray and operating room fee; surgical expense benefits of F-50 for minor operations, F150 for medium operations and P350 for major operations; and a P100 maximum doctor ’ s fee at P5 a day for general practitioners and P10 a day for specialists. The PMCC, however, clarified that any medicare beneficiary will be charged for additional expenses if he would occupy more expensive accommodation.
[3] Official Gazette for March 10, 1973: MALACAÑANG announced that the President has signed Presidential Decree 145, amending “ The Local Autonomy Act ” in order to insure the sound and lawful exercise, of the local taxing power Presidential Decree 145 amends the penultimate and last paragraphs of ” Section 2 of Republic Act No. 2264, otherwise known as “ The Local Autonomy Act. ” Under Sec. 2 of Republic Act 2264, the secretary of finance is authorized to suspend the effectivity of any local tax ordinance within 120 days after its passage if the tax or fee therein levied is “ unjust, excessive, oppressive or confiscatory. However, due to certain defects and ambiguities in the existing law, the authority of the secretary of finance cannot be effectively carried out. Under the amendment, a tax ordinance shall go into effect on the 15th day after its passage. The secretary of finance shall have the authority to suspend the effectivity of any ordinance within 120 days after receipt of a copy if he believes that the tax or fee therein levied is unjust, excessive, oppressive or confiscatory or when it is contrary to declared national economic policy. The secretary of finance can suspend, either in part or as a whole, such ordinance for a period of 30 days within which period the local legislative body may either modify that tax ordinance to meet the objections or file an appeal with a court of competent jurisdiction. If the local legislative body does not make the necessary corrections or file an appeal with the court, the tax ordinance or parts thereof shall be considered revoked. A formal protest may be filed within 120 days after the passage of that tax ordinance provided the secretary of finance shall have 60 days, after receipt of the protest, to decide the protest. If the decision of the secretary of finance suspends in part or in full the tax ordinance protested, the local legislative body may either modify the ordinance in accordance with the decision of the secretary or exercise the right to appeal to the court within 30 days, otherwise the secretary ’ s decision becomes final. THE PHILIPPINES and Yugoslavia have signed an agreement to abolish non-immigrant visa requirements for nationals of both countries, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo arid Yugoslavia Ambassador Jose Smole , the nonresident Yugoslavian envoy to the Philippines based in Tokyo, signed the agreement, the first to be concluded between the Philippines and a socialist country. The agreement which will take effect on April 15, 1973, provides that citizens of the two signatories may enter each other ’ s territory without visa for a stay of not more than 59 days for tourist or business purposes. It further stipulates that either country may refuse the entry or stay of citizens deemed to be undesirable. THE PRESIDENT said that the soldier under the New Society has become not only the guardian of our security and freedom but also a real and effective worker for development and just like the rest of our people, is entitled to a measure of decency, dignity, and social and economic well-being. The President rioted that a majority of the Armed Forces personnel, especially those in the enlisted ranks, retire homeless notwithstanding the fact that they have served their maximum years in the military. The President ’ s speech was read by; Maj. Gen. Gaudencio Tobias (ret.) general manager of the National Housing Corporation, at the turn-over ceremony of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Mutual Benefit Association housing project at Barrio Butatan , Muntinglupa , Rizal, with an area of 56 hectares. There are similar housing project sites in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija; and Cabuyao , Laguna, which are now in the process of development. The AFP further envisions the establishment of at least one housing community in each of the army brigade headquarters, PC zone, air force bases and naval stations throughout the country. THE PRESIDENT approved the merger of the three competing local airlines to improve the efficiency and service of a deteriorating industry which is very vital to the development of the national economy. The decision to merge was prompted by a thorough study of the financial situation of the Philippine Airlines, Filipinas Orient Airways, and Air Manila Inc. Aside from their loan obligations with the government institutions, the government itself has equity holdings amounting to 21 per cent, of PAL stocks and 17 per cent of that of FOA. The government has also P226.6 million collectibles from the three airlines. The merger of the local airlines, according to Secretary of Information Francisco S. Tatad , was ordered in view of the fact that all three firms are losing, with the government as investor in these companies, being the biggest loser. DEPARTMENT OF Education and Culture has ordered special committee to facilitate the processing of application papers filed by schools and civic organizations desiring DEC accreditation of their civic action activities. It was pointed out that student participation in duly accredited civic activities is now a requirement for graduation as per Department Order No. 53, S. 1972. The following activities may be given accreditation by the DEC: 1) Summer workcamps, sponsored by public or private schools with activities along the lines of technical-vocational training like animal husbandry, productive farming and fishing, reforestation, etc ; and social orientation like adult and community education, family planning, household management, cooperatives, etc ; 2) Civic projects similar to the ones mentioned in No. 1, initiated by local social action groups, sectarian or non-sectarian; 3) Summer workcamps sponsored by the DEC ’ s National Youth Volunteer Coordinating Center for National Development, for graduating students.
[4] Official Gazette for March 11, 1973: THE PRESIDENT has promulgated Presidential Decree No. 146 upgrading the quality of education in the Philippines by requiring all high school graduates seeking admission to post-secondary degree programs necessitating a minimum of four years ’ study to pass a national entrance examination. In a related development the President directed the secretary of education and culture to suspend action on any petition for increases in tuition and other school fees in private schools, colleges, and universities until further notice in view ox relevant studies being conducted on the state of private education in the country. The entrance examination was issued under Presidential Decree No. 6-A, which declares it a policy of the state to maintain the highest quality of education for purposes of national development. The decree provides that full implementation of the program should be made effective for freshmen of the school year 1974-1975. THE PRESIDENT called on members of the economic community to cooperate with the government in its effort to disperse credit over a wider area and channel it to projects geared to national goals. Toward this end, he said, financial reforms had been instituted under the new order not only to make credit control a more effective weapon in maintaining stability but also to streamline the structure and operations of the credit system to make it more responsive to the demands of development. The President expressed his views in a speech read for him by Secretary of Finance Cesar E. A. Virata at the 1973 National Credit Congress sponsored by the Management Association of the Philippines in Makati. By now, he said, the direction of government action in this was quite clear: to provide adequate credit facilities over a wider area instill discipline in the use of credit and ensure the productive and economic use of credit resources, and to shape a more efficient and stronger mechanism for mobilizing capital resources. DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL Government and Community Development announced the completion of 840 community projects worth P986,027.90 in nine Central Luzon provinces during the six-month period of Martial Law. The DLGCD said l58 of the finished projects were done under the grants-in-aid program of the Presidential Assistance on Community Development. The rest were self-help projects costing P470,571.90 of which P427,999.90 was contributed by barrio folk in the form of materials, like sand, gravel and lumber. The provincial and municipal governments in the nine provinces concerned contributed a total of P42,552. These provinces include Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija and Aurora. NATIONAL GRAINS Authority assured the public of enough buffer stock of rice ready for distribution throughout the country with the continuous arrival of imported rice contracted from Japan last year to augment locally procured and previously imported stocks now stored in various NGA warehouses. The government cereal agency has recently concluded a contract for the purchase of additional rice from suppliers abroad, the arrival of which will start next month to supplement domestic consumption requirements. Not only this but harvests are now going on in different provinces like Cagayan Valley, Bicol region, Leyte and Panay Island and some parts of Mindanao. At present rice shipment from Japan totalling 8,800 metric tons are being unloaded at the ports of Tabaco in Albay and General Santos in Cotabato. Another vessel carrying a load of 4,000 metric tons of rice is expected to arrive this month at Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union. DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL Government and Community Development has issued a circular to provincial governors and city mayors prohibiting lavish or extravagant display in local activities, including agro-industrial fairs, conferences, seminars and fiestas. DLGCD memorandum circular No. 73-6, which specifically enjoins local officials to avoid and prevent ostentatious display of wealth and extravagance, including lavish town fiestas or social gatherings, stresses the need for austerity and simplicity as basic guidelines for all local activities. DLGCD Secretary Jose Roño also reiterated strict compliance to General Order No. 15 insofar as celebrations of town fiestas are concerned. The DLGCD was ordered to call the attention of local officials to cease in the old society practice of seeking privileges, power and favors, and instead dedicate themselves to developing their respective communities. A TOTAL OF 392 persons have applied for amnesty under Presidential Decrees 95 and 124, the Philippine Constabulary judge advocate general ’ s office reported. Brig. Gen. Fidel Ramos, PC chief, was informed by Col. Hamilton Dimaya , PC JAGO chief, that 240 persons have applied for amnesty under Presidential Decree 95, and 152 others under Presidential Decree No. 124. The deadline for the filing of applications for amnesty under Presidential Decree No. 95 expired last Feb. 28, while the deadline under Presidential Decree 124 is March 15, 1973.
[5] Official Gazette for March 12, 1973: THE PRESIDENT lauded the people of Caloocan City for setting an example on how the citizens can help in the efforts to attain progress and do their share in nation-building. In a message read for him by Secretary of Trade and Tourism Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. on the occasion of the opening of the Caloocan City agro-industrial trade fair, the President said that the success of the New Society and the reforms being done will depend greatly on the willingness of the people to do their share. The President said: “ We are at the cross road of our history as a nation and it is but fitting that we realize that progress can only be attained by helping build, not destroy; by pointing out the good inherent in every man, not by criticizing; by offering our best in the service of our nation. ” EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Alejandro Melchor has formed a Public Information Unit to attend to and act on problems of the under-privileged and to bridge the gap of communications between the citizens and the government The PIU, aside from, handling matters within the scope of the Executive Office, also deals with complaints arising from the misuse of power by government officials in implementing the President ’ s Letters of Instructions Nos. 14 and 14-A. DEPARTMENT OF Social Welfare has instituted two crash assistance programs, the General Assistance (GA) program and the Aid to Families in Economic Distress (AFED) program. While the GA gives assistance to remedy immediate needs, the AFED not only provides money enough for immediate needs, but also, capital to establish small businesses. RULES AND PROCEDURES on merger or consolidation of insurance companies were approved by Secretary of Finance Cesar E. A. Virata . The consolidation or merger domestic insurance firms is provided for in Sec. 175 Of the Insurance Act as amended by Presidential Decree No. 83. The Insurance Circular setting the rules for consolidation or merger of Insurance firms takes effect immediately.
[6] Official Gazette for March 13, 1973: BRIG. GEN. Fortunato U. Abat , chief of the Central Mindanao Command (CEMCQM), announced that the situation in Cotabato is “ quite well in hand ” and that operations, to stabilize effective government control over the: entire province were proceeding “ satisfactorily. ” At a briefing held at PC Hill, headquarters of the CEMCOM in Cotabato City, Gen. Abat , who had been flown from Cebu to take over-all command of the operations, said government troopers were up against several thousand well-armed insurgents. The rebels, who appeared to have received military training, are made up of secessionist Muslims and Christians identified with Maoist-oriented organizations, principally factions of the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas and the Kabataang Makabayan, Secessionist Muslims and certain factions of the PKP and KM appeared to have entered into a temporary alliance to achieve a common objective; the overthrow of the government. It was also noted that the insurgents appeared to have a foreign assistance. It was based from the modern weapons captured by the troopers. Field commanders often hear foreign language: communications coming in their radio frequencies. But the nationality, of the foreign language is yet to be determined and a foreign adviser has yet to be captured. PHILIPPINE exports last month registered a total of $120,791,088.75 indicating a favorable trade balance for the country this year. The country ’ s exports last February totalled $22,083,945.36 or 22.4 per cent higher than the export value receipts for February last year and $12,383,-383.70 better than last January ’ s total of $108,460,705.75, according to Customs Commissioner Rolando Geotina , who released the export figures. Total exports for the months of January and February have reached $229,251,793.80 while government collection or wharfage dues alone is P2,674,607.36. The bulk of the registered value came from provincial export loadings with $103,485,063.48; followed by Manila with $12,546,800.57 and by the Board of Investments certified exports with $4,753,224.70. BRIG. GEN. Fidel V. Ramos, PC chief, issued an order prohibiting all military personnel from displaying their firearms while in civilian attire. The PC chief ’ s order was spurred by reports that some military personnel are flagrantly displaying their firearms while in civilian attire. He said that regardless of whether these military personnel are on actual mission or not, there is no valid reason for carrying their firearms in indiscreet manner. This malpractice has served not only as bad example to good civilians but also constitutes a violation of General Oder No. 7 if the military personnel concerned is not in actual performance of official duties, Gen. Ramos said. Gen. Ramos held all unit commanders responsible in seeing to it that all military personnel under them comply with this order. GROUP of Japanese businessmen is coming to Manila to team up with a Filipino company and engage in a deep sea fishing and eel culture, it was learned from the Commission on Immigration and Deportation. The one-week stay in Manila of the Japanese businessmen, scheduled to arrive on March 20, had been approved by the immigration commission. The visiting Japanese businessmen are Senator Saburo Oca, chairman of the Board of Daisho Bussan Co. Ltd. of Yokohama; H. Matsumura and Kyuji Iura , president and managing director of the same trading company; Mitsuyoshi Gohara , managing director of the Gadeco Schlage Co., Ltd. of Tokyo; and U. Namada , executive director of the Japan Eel Culture Association of Kochi City. Eel culture is a capital-intensive and long-range venture but highly profit-oriented and its introduction will redound to the economic benefit of the country through the long-range capital outlay and the know-how which foreign experts would impart to local groups.