I have just come from Camp Crame where at the request of the detainees, I met them and released one (F. Ballesteros) against whom the evidence was weak.
But I told Roger Arienda, organizer of Ang Magigiting, Dr. Teodosio Lansang, Dr. Bayani Alcala organizers of the Samahang Molave, and Dr. Prudente of the nature of the charges against them.
Official Gazette for October 24, 1971: President Marcos motored to Camp Crame early in the evening in response to the request of some of the persons detained under Proclamation 889 to see him, and to find out what they wanted. The five detainees who had signified their desire for a direct dialogue with him were Radio-TV commentator Roger Arienda, Nemesio Prudente, PCC president; Teodosio Lansang, PCC professor; and Julius Ballesteros and Bayani Alcala, PCC instructors. The President informed the detainees of the basic charges against them, and gave them the opportunity to answer off-hand those charges. He likewise informed them of the summary examination he had ordered, wherein they could confront witnesses and produce evidence on their own behalf.
The President ordered the release of Ballesteros when he found out that evidence in the hands of government prosecutors against him was the least serious. He issued the release order on condition that Ballesteros’ parents guarantee his appearance in court when required and that he would not go into hiding. Among those present at the President’s meeting with the detainees were Col. Tagumpay Nanadiego, JAGO; Col. Prospero Olivas, CIS chief; Brig. Gen. Bruno Balancio, deputy PC chief; and Lt. Col. Nicolas Camello, PC chief of staff.
The President left Camp Crame for Malacañang at 8:30 p.m.
Earlier in the day, the President was closeted most of the time in his private study attending to paper work and other urgent state business.
I informed them that according to the evidence in the possession of the government, they organized or belonged to communist front organizations which were directly under orders from Commander Dante [Bernabe Buscayno]. Of course I did not tell them that the political commisar of Commander Dante, Commander Buyco [Poncair Dizon] alias F. Dizon had testified that he had sent the messages of Dante to the Samahang Molave and the other front organizations—and that Crispin Aranda was a member of the Politburo.
The Manila Times this morning headlined the false story that Antolin Oreta the brother-in-law of Sen. [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.] has been cleared by two women witnesses!
When the witnesses against him are not these women witnesses.
As usual only Manila Times carries this story.
And [Francisco] Soc Rodrigo also made false observations in TV which I attach.