The threat from the clergy specially the Jesuits is not as bad as it first seemed.
But I have ordered the release of all the clergy who have been detained to allow a review of their cases. In Greater Manila Fathers [Cornelio] Lagerway, [Constante] Floresca and [Santos] Rabang were released and have offered to help in the Reformation and the building of the New Society. In Mindanao I have ordered the release of Father Vincent Cullen in Bukidnon. Father Donelan calls him a true missionary. The same is true of the parish priest of Mons. Luis Gonzaga.
Today I increased the meal allowance of enlisted men of the Armed Forces from four pesos to five pesos a day.
And brought the Sulu leaders, both Nacionalista and Liberals, to pledge to support the New Society. And appeared before TV.
Worked on the questions for the [Lawrence] Spivak show next Sunday.
In the evening I met Father Jose Cruz, Father Rector of Ateneo [de Manila] University on the clergy.
And was interviewed by Jack ______ and Lee Lescaze of the Los Angeles Time[s] and Washington Post respectively.
Official Gazette for this October 3, 1972: THE PRESIDENT conferred with Sulu political leaders, both Liberals and Nacionalistas, who agreed to forget politics and to go from island to island to help in the reestablishment and maintenance of peace and order in the province.
Following the conference, the President, with the Sulu leaders in attendance, went on radio and television from the Malacañang Ceremonial Hall to appeal to the Filipino people to emulate the example set by the province’s leaders, who not only pledged to do away with politics and partisanship but to be guided also by the people’s welfare in the formation of the New Society.
The Sulu leaders included Nacionalista Rep. Indanan Anni and Liberal Mayor Barlie Abubakar of Jolo, former Gov. Arsad Salih, Board Members Jesus Isquierdo and Santamina Rasul, Mayors Ru-hing Tantali of Parang, Ladjapili Otto-Ayracin of South Ubian, Bing Ing Ho of Bongao, Husing Lao of Pangutaran, Hadji Alibasa of Simunul, Abdul Han Agga of Panamao, Hadji Atik Kalbi of Tongkil and Abubakar Tan of Maimbung.
Also present at the conference were Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile, Undersecretary Jose M. Crisol, Gen. Romeo Espino, AFP chief of staff; Brig. Gen. Fidel V. Ramos, PC chief; Commodore Gil Fernandez, chief of SOWESCOM, and Col. Jimmy Bangkola, Sulu PC provincial commander.
Later in the day, the President issued:
1) Presidential Decree No. 11, amending certain sections of Republic Act No. 5487, otherwise known as “The Private Security Act Law.”
2) Presidential Decree No. 12, ordering the Police Commission to create as many Adjudication Boards as are necessary for the speedy review and disposition of all administrative cases of city and municipal police forces that had been or would be referred to it for final action.