We clapped during and after the television show over Channel 9 (KBS [Kanlaon Broadcasting System] exclusive) of the trip of Imelda and Bongbong to Rome and England. We means the two girls and myself taking dinner at our breakfast nook in the living room from 9:00 to 10:00 PM.
The girls (Imee cooks and Irene samples specially the caramel of the cake) have been cooking all day.
We have not been able to talk to Imelda as she has gone to Fatima and will not be back until about 11:30 tonight.
So played golf in the morning. Then worked on the offers of loans to the government.
And finalized the instructions on intelligence work to continue. Directed Col. Fidel Ramos J-2 [Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence] to assign men to all universities to collate information and infiltrate all organizations even on a ten year basis.
The military and economic development campaign in the Huk-infested areas must continue. One of the new sensitive areas is Isabela. Col. Simeon Ventura, CO [Commanding Officer] of Task Force Kali, reports there are 1,500 armed Huks and 2,500 families supporting them. I have ordered the Task Force strengthened by one company. If necessary I will reassign the 10th and 20th BCT [Battalion Combat Team] to the Cagayan Valley.
Imelda should be leaving Lisbon by tomorrow, Sunday, to fly direct to Washington, then leave Washington on the 24th.
Official Gazette for September 19, 1970: President Marcos had a quiet day of work in his study, with no visitors on his schedule, and no engagements outside of Malacañang. He utilized the whole day to study official papers and to act on urgent state matters.
The President named four officials to various city and provincial posts, namely:1. Dr. Rufino Ynzon, as acting city health officer of Puerto Princesa City. 2. Dr. Adelina Mil, as acting city superintendent of schools of San Carlos City (Pangasinan). 3. Roldan Alba, as acting provincial treasurer of Abra, and 4. Vicente Lopez, as acting city engineer of San Jose City.
The President also issued a proclamation authorizing the Knights of Rizal to conduct a national educational and fund campaign during the period November 30, 1970 through May 30, 1971. The Order of the Knights of Rizal has for its primary objective the training and molding of Filipino youth, with Emphasis on character building, dynamic citizenship, civic consciousness, dedicated and democratic leadership, and enlightened nationalism
I have tried to keep the two girls occupied so they do not miss her too much (specially the young one). And they keep reminding me to write Bongbong. We miss them both terribly.
Imee feels we should not believe all the glowing reports of Bongbong’s neatness. “He cannot have changed overnight,” she exclaims. She laughingly says we should send him a picture of his room—in a state of disarray.
Commander Sumulong [Faustino del Mundo] is beginning to sing. He is telling on his former supporters. But I should talk to him privately to get the most out of him.
Sent [Alejandro] Landring Almendras to Davao del Norte to stop the squatters on public lands from using violence and intimidation to coerce public officials to give them land including those already titled to private persons. I must meet the committee I created for land disputes soon.
As usual the Vice President is not doing anything. Although this is within his department. He is ineffective although apparently harmless.
Now that Commander Sumulong is “singing,” the guilty consciences are showing. Sen. [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.] has been charged practically by Gen. Eddie [Eduardo] Garcia of concealing Commander Dante [Bernabe Buscayno] and ferrying him by his private plane to Masbate at the height of the anti-Huk campaign. Of course Aquino will deny it.
[Sergio] Osmeña [Jr.] has taken the floor to deny his P100,000 contribution to Dante.
[Jose] Lingad is making noises about economic impoverishment and social injustice as the cause of the Huk movement. What does not meet the eye is that he had hoped to use Sumulong in his bid for the governorship of Pampanga. So he is wailing in sorrow.
And the lesser lights are beginning to shift around to accommodate to the situation.
But I have ordered the prosecution of the Huk-coddlers and the energetic follow-through of the military operations.